DuPont Packaging to focus on thinner multi-layer barrier films for lidding applications and thermoformed trays, special adhesive resins for TripleBubble technology and more at Interpack 2014, May 8-14, in Dusseldorf, Germany

Elyse Blye

WILMINGTON, Delaware , April 3, 2014 (press release) – Under their motto, “Welcome to the Global Collaboratory,” DuPont Packaging (DuPont) will showcase at Interpack 2014 from May 8th to the 14th (Hall 10, B40/C39) how interdisciplinary collaboration with customers and other market-leading players can open up multiple possibilities for increasing the functionality and attractiveness of plastic packaging materials and components, while at the same time reducing both the industry’s ecological footprint and the unnecessary waste of food.

The company will focus on topics that include thinner multi-layer barrier films for lidding applications and thermoformed trays, special adhesive resins for the TripleBubble® technology, the overmolding of delicate fabrics as a design offering, renewably sourced tie-resins and polymer modifiers, as well as compatibilizers for use in the recycling of mixed plastic waste. DuPont’s constant commitment to the smart use of packaging to support the better use of foodstuffs is underscored by two presentations by DuPont team members at the exhibition accompanying the SAVE FOOD Symposium.

Thin Films for Strong, Highly Functional Packaging
DuPont and Reifenhäuser Kiefel Extrusion, based in Worms, Germany, have collaborated to bring two innovative high-barrier packaging solutions to market:


A new APET based DuPont™ Appeel® high-performance sealant resin is used for the production of PA-based lidding films, which combine high-barrier results with good printability. They seal directly and safely to trays of 100 percent APET, obviating the need for APET/LDPE tray laminates. Thus, both material costs as well as lid and tray production costs can decrease.

Special grades of the DuPont™ Surlyn® packaging polymer allows the production of thermoformable barrier films that can be made 20 percent thinner-than-conventional seven-layer PA/PE films, accompanied by lower costs, improved optical properties, higher puncture resistance, excellent abrasion resistance and improved sealing properties.
In each case, DuPont contributes its know-how in packaging plastics, while Reifenhäuser optimizes its EVOLUTION® Barrier Blown Film Lines to suit the processing parameters.

DuPont and Kuhne Anlagenbau of Sankt Augustin, Germany, have cooperated to extend the field of application of the TripleBubble® process for the production of biaxially stretched films. With up to 11 layers of functional plastics, DuPont™ Surlyn® packaging resins and DuPont™ Bynel® adhesive resins, these films are available in thicknesses of 20 up to 110 µm. All grades combine high, adjustable shrinkage from zero up to 60 percent and a very high barrier against oxygen and moisture with outstanding transparency, high gloss and – despite the comparatively low thickness – very high tear strength and puncture resistance. This allows significant savings of raw materials (up to 50 percent, depending on the application) and energy and, consequently, much improved results in the life-cycle analysis.

A Key to the Recycling of Mixed Packaging Polymers
New DuPont™ Entira™ EP compatibilizers lower the barriers for the material recycling of packaging. Even additions of only small quantities of around 4 percent to the regrind of inherently incompatible packaging polymers make for a more economical and efficient re-compounding process. Consequently the tensile strength, elongation at break and, in particular, the impact strength of the recyclate are increased to a level that meets the demands for high-performance applications. Grades optimized for specific applications are currently at the development stage.

Renewably Sourced Tie-Resins and Polymer Modifiers
In close collaboration with Braskem, the world’s leading producer of biopolymers, DuPont is developing renewably sourced tie-resins and polymer modifiers to extend the existing range of the DuPont™ Bynel® and DuPont™ Fusabond® resins. For this purpose, DuPont will use Braskem’s renewably sourced polyethylene (PE) to produce drop-in alternatives which either meet or exceed the performance of the company’s conventional petroleum-based products and are fully recyclable in PE waste streams. With the new renewably sourced Bynel® grades, DuPont aims to help multilayer packaging manufacturers that have started to use Braskem’s green polyethylene to increase the renewable material content in their overall structures. Target applications for renewably sourced grades of Fusabond® include applications like wood/plastic composites, starch/PE compounds and glass-fiber/PE compounds where use of a renewably sourced modifier significantly increases the renewable material percentage in the structures.

New Design Perspectives
The DuPont™ Surlyn® 3D Textile Overmolding Technology opens up new possibilities for applications in the cosmetics and design sector as the result of collaboration between DuPont and Oriol & Fontanel, France. Here, the partners have succeeded in overmolding intricate textile articles, such as lace or woven ribbons, with the DuPont™ Surlyn® packaging resin, and thus embed them into three-dimensional objects. It is possible in this way to protect the delicate objects without them becoming damaged or altered during the process.

SAVE FOOD – For the Respectful Handling of Foodstuffs
DuPont actively supports the SAVE FOOD initiative instituted by Messe Düsseldorf GmbH and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which helps fight global food loss and waste. One aim of the initiative is to ensure that food is packed in such a way that it reaches the consumer in good condition. At this year's international congress in Interpack’s own Innovationparc Packaging Forum, DuPont, as a member of SAVE FOOD, will give two presentations:


Yasmin Siddiqi, director for DuPont Packaging Global Marketing, will report on "Factors Impacting Food Security – with case studies demonstrating the relationship to packaging". She will talk about the Food Safety Index sponsored by DuPont (http://foodsecurity.dupont.com/fsi/) and report on successful collaborations in the development of future-oriented packaging.

Heiko Schenck, manager for DuPont Packaging Market Development, will present a paper entitled "Collaboration in the Value Chain Unlocks the Potential for Lower-Weight Packaging," and will focus on joint projects with partners Reifenhäuser and Kuhne.
Bernard Rioux, regional marketing and development director, DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers EMEA, comments, “Science driven innovations continue to be a strong basis for DuPont’s answers to global market demands. However, we strongly believe that sustainable success needs more than the efforts of a single company. Solutions for the major challenges of today’s world require global collaborations. This is particularly true for the development of safe packaging solutions, which support our customers’ businesses and at the same time guide the way to both a lower environmental footprint and a more responsible handling of food. At Interpack 2014 we present tangible examples.”

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Appeel®, Surlyn®, Bynel®, Entira™ and Fusabond® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

TripleBubble® is a registered trademark of Kuhne Anlagenbau, Sankt Augustin, Germany.
EVOLUTION® is filed as registered trademark of Reifenhäuser.

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