ExxonMobil Chemical is introducing a new grade to its portfolio of Vistamaxx performance polymers on its booth (10R E7) at PlastIndia, 9th International Plastics Exhibition & Conference in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, February 5-10, 2015. Vistamaxx 3588FL used pure in the sealing layer provides outstanding sealing performance in cast polypropylene (cPP) films and heat-sealable biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films designed for fast and reliable packaging operations. The new grade combines very low seal and hot tack initiation temperatures with broad hermetic seal range making it well suited for applications such as snack, biscuit and candy packaging."Vistamaxx 3588FL is designed to balance excellent processability and outstanding sealing performance in heat-sealable cPP and BOPP films," said Miranda Lo, Vistamaxx business manager Asia Pacific, ExxonMobil Chemical. "Asia Pacific continues to be an important market in terms of capacity and demand. Moreover in the food packaging segment we see trends towards more economically accessible pre-packed food and smaller packaging sizes which require faster and more efficient packaging operations. This new grade is tailored to meet those needs of the industry."
Using pure Vistamaxx 3588FL to replace standard terpolymer PP in the sealant layer of 3 or 5 layer heat sealable cPP or BOPP films can enable higher speeds for horizontal and vertical form fill and seal (HFFS and VFFS) packaging operations. Vistamaxx 3588FL delivers a 10 degree lower SIT and broader and higher hot tack window compared to standard terpolymer PP resins. These improvements can lead to significantly improved packaging line performance.
In cPP films, the use of Vistamaxx 3588FL in the sealant layer extends the hermetic seal range which is critical for applications that require leak-free and airtight packaging. Additionally, the coefficient of friction (COF) is easily controlled using commercially available masterbatches leading to trouble-free VFFS operations even with more sensitive films like metallized cPP film.
Uflex Ltd., one of the largest packaging film conglomerates in India with significant market presence in cPP film production, has been running Vistamaxx 3588FL. "Having run a significant production of heat sealable cast PP film using pure Vistamaxx 3588FL in the sealing layer, we were impressed by the film's excellent processability. There was no fall in output and minimal changeover time was required when transitioning from our standard production platform to the new Vistamaxx 3588FL. Also, the film's appearance, measured by haze and gloss, was outstanding and COF control provides smooth packaging operations," said Mr. Ajay Gupta, vice president - PP Group, Uflex Limited.
"Vistamaxx 3588FL creates new innovation opportunities for converters of heat sealable cPP and BOPP films. It delivers excellent processability, while providing the potential to create a very versatile film that can add value in both VFFS and HFFS packaging operations. Meanwhile, retailers can benefit from packaging with better seals that keeps food fresh for consumer enjoyment," said Lo.
A cPP film produced by Uflex Ltd. will be on display at the ExxonMobil Chemical booth (10R E7) at PlastIndia, 9th International Plastics Exhibition & Conference in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, February 5-10, 2015.
