Total unveils new film material for flexible packaging applications
The Refining and Chemicals division of Total, a global integrated oil and gas company, has launched a new metallocene polyethylene (mPE) film material for flexible packaging converters.
The Refining and Chemicals division of Total, a global integrated oil and gas company, has launched a new metallocene polyethylene (mPE) film material for flexible packaging converters.
With the launch of the new Lumicene Supertough 32ST05, the company provides converters with an opportunity to generate films that are reportedly 25% thinner and stronger.
The grade, which serves as a lightweight solution for industrial packaging, personal care / hygiene and food sectors, offers a combination of strength and toughness, even at low temperatures, claimed Total.
The characteristics of the grade is expected to allow converters to create a better film using less material, but with the easy processing advantages of low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
As a result, thin, lightweight multilayer films can be created, which offer processability on extrusion and conversion lines.
The film’s potential is demonstrated by several multilayer applications that include compression packaging, such as for heavy mattresses and lightweight diapers, deepfreeze and lamination films and shrink applications.
Total Polymers Division senior vice president Carl Van Camp said, "The downgauging story is a never-ending quest to push the thickness limits of packaging down. Where these limits of downgauging are reached, Supertough 32ST05 steps in to give the necessary boost in toughness to overcome the thickness barrier."
Supertough 32ST05 is a member of a new family within the company’s Lumicene portfolio, which features easy processing, film mechanical properties and stiffness / optics balance.
Lumicene is said to be a new offering for the packaging film sector that comes with a combination of properties and is suitable for use with a wide range of film production processes.
The grade slate encompasses the full range of low (mLLDPE), medium (mMDPE) to high (mHDPE) densities.
Image: Total’s new Lumicene Supertough 32ST05 film exhibits easy processing mechanical properties and stiffness/optics balance; Photo: Courtesy of Total