While the focus for flexible packaging suppliers has been firmly on sustainability issues as much as performance in recent years, a new generation of packaging technologists is looking at new, and potentially ground breaking, nanomaterials and coatings to create new products.
Static is a common phenomenon that affects a number of industries, including plastics and converting, and as machinery speeds have increased and an expanding number of synthetic materials have been developed, the negative effects that static can have on these sectors have become more apparent.
Q: Please explain coating onto flexible film substrates in a few steps. Separately, please explain the typical steps of laminating a flexible film substrate. (If they go hand-in-hand, please explain the tie-in.)
Leading up to PRINT 13 and co-located CPP EXPO show where our industry will convene this fall, it’s the ideal time to consider the changing dynamics facing those in the packaging supply chain.
An understanding of the regulatory systems that apply to printing inks used on food packages is necessary not only for companies that manufacture these inks, but also for food producers, manufacturers of packaging materials, and converters.
These companies are making strides to offer what customers are requesting. All of these innovations are paving inroads for the flexible packaging industry.
A conventional product in an unconventional packaging format; laundry detergent in an earth friendly pouch offered to consumers; an extrusion coating line that allows for rapid delivery; and a family of water-based dry-bond hybrid laminating adhesives dries and ships in two days.
We all know that time is of the essence when it comes to designing and building a new machine. Hudson-Sharp, manufacturer of plastic bag, pouch and reclosable bag machine technologies, recently validated that statement during the design of a special machine to add a closure mechanism to pre-made pouches.
Oliver Stauffer of PTI offers his insight into film inspection and defect detection. He has been with the company since 2005, and was appointed VP of inspection technologies in 2011.
Film inspection can encompass a wide variety of material properties and defect types. Density, thickness, marks, and abrasions are just a few of the defect modes that one may need to detect.