Sabic, which is a leading player in the global plastics industry, says the new film is the result of pioneering technology that has led to the creation of low-density polyethelene and linear low-density polyethylene film.
Film plays an important part in all types of consumer packaging, both primary and secondary, helping to provide an enhanced appearance as well as giving added protection to the packaging material itself as well as the finished product.
Cluing in on both costs and sustainability
The development of the new film came from a concerted effort by the company to hit on the crucial elements packaging providers are looking for to make their packaging more effective, cost efficient and sustainable.
“Combining existing elements more smartly can produce solutions that exceed the current standards of cost-efficiency and packaging performance,” said Eric Hogenboom, European business director for Sabic.
The multi-layer film can be used for compression packaging, lamination and as shrink film and can be used on packaging that is already comprised of up to five layers of materials.
Flexibility crucial to film design
On top of this flexibility, it has also been designed with balancing specifications such as high-gloss or tear resistance to provide added packaging performance.
But on top of providing the finishing touch on packaging, Sabic says its new film goes one step further by providing manufacturers added benefits such as significant material and energy savings.
With respect to sustainability, the film has been designed as a light-weight alternative to replace a variety of other heavier film options, while providing improved gauging options, higher production speeds and lower energy costs.
Sabic says the production efficiencies are achieved because the film for each finished product can be specifically tailored around both the requirements for the packaging itself, as well as the capabilities of the extrusion equiupment.
This customize approach can be used to achieve down-guaging options that reduce the thickness of the film by up to 20 percent, the company claims, an important contribution towards the all-important issue of light weighting packaging that ultimately serves to reduce the manufacturing carbon footprint.