Peak Nano has launched NanoPlex films as a service (FaaS), providing an integrated system for the design, prototyping, and limited production of polymer films.
The platform combines the company’s experience in nanolayer systems and its patented technology to deliver tailored film solutions for a range of industries.
It includes medical, food and beverage packaging, electronics, power systems, aerospace, defence, and industrial applications.
Through FaaS, clients can work directly with Peak Nano’s materials science team to develop new film structures using established polymers.
This approach is intended to streamline development timelines and reduce costs associated with creating new polymer materials.
The company’s nanolayering process modifies properties such as crystallinity, mobility, and morphology at the nanoscale, resulting in films with tunable barrier, mechanical, optical, and dielectric characteristics.
The service includes several stages such as requirements analysis, rapid prototype development using commercially available polymers (with turnaround times of 6–10 weeks).
This further extends to testing and validation, provision of technical documentation and licensing support, and guidance for scaling up to commercial production.
Clients have the flexibility to choose between outsourcing manufacturing to Peak Nano or utilising third-party or internal production resources.
According to Peak Nano, this model allows customers to avoid lengthy resin R&D phases and regulatory processes by employing existing materials in new configurations.
The platform also enables cost reductions by replacing specialty resins with more readily available options through advanced layering techniques.
Sustainability features such as downgauging and increased recyclability are also possible.
NanoPlex films developed through FaaS are positioned for use in sectors requiring stringent performance standards such as medical packaging with high barrier properties, electrical insulation films, recyclable food packaging materials, lightweight aerospace and defence films, automotive capacitor components, and industrial filtration or insulation products.
Peak Nano’s operations are supported by more than 20 international patents and a manufacturing facility located in Valley View, Ohio.
Peak Nano CEO Jim Welsh said: "For decades, advancing film performance meant waiting for polymer manufacturers to invent the next resin. That can take a decade and cost billions.
"With Films as a Service, we've eliminated that bottleneck. We can rapidly develop and deliver new film capabilities from commercially available polymers by dialing in on nanolayered architectures. Customers get breakthrough performance in weeks, not years, and at a fraction of the cost."
Earlier this month, the company announced plans to pursue nanolayered biodegradable films for food, beverage, and medical packaging.
This project is being backed by the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub as part of its latest funding round for research and development initiatives.
