Metallized Polyester Films are increasing in
popularity for imparting high barrier properties to laminated flexible
packaging structures. However, it has been often experienced that poor adhesion
of metal with the base polyester film can result in laminate failure, thereby
decreasing product performance.
There has been an increasing demand for cost-effective
films with high metal adhesion for superior barrier applications in harsh
environments. However, the solutions that are currently available in the market
are limited and costly.
With this problem statement at hand, Flex Films
(USA) Inc. has engineered FLEXMETPROTECT F-HMB film which is a High Barrier
Metallized Polyester Film. The film is either untreated or corona treated on
the other surface, while metallization is carried out on the specially treated
composite surface imparting metal adhesion or bond strength of > 1200
gram-force/inch.
Flex Films is the global film manufacturing arm of
India’s largest multinational flexible packaging materials and solution company
Uflex Limited. All the film manufacturing plants of Uflex, i.e. in India, UAE,
Poland, Egypt, Mexico and USA can supply FLEXMETPROTECT F-HMB Film.
Talking more about the new development, Dr. Steven
J. Sargeant, GM, Technology at Flex Films (USA) Inc. said, “The adhesion of
metal on BOPET base film is the sum of chemical and mechanical adhesion. Our
proprietary surface treatment on the base film allows increased levels of
chelation or reaction with the metal being deposited, thereby resulting in a
much better adhesion profile. The specialized surface treatment comprises
materials with unique and enhanced properties thereby leading to much enhanced
mechanical bonding. It took us almost 18 months to engineer this film.”
Explaining the benefits that the newly developed
film brings to the convertors, and elaborating upon its use, Mr. Vijay Yadav,
Business Head, Flex Films (USA) Inc. said, “The film offers class leading high
adhesion to metal under most aggressive environmental conditions; demonstrates
improved scuff, scratch and craze resistance thereby improving yields up to
four percent and offering unparalleled robustness in processing and performance
for converters; has OTR of 0.6 cc/m2/day at 23 degrees C & 0% RH and MVTR
of 0.6 g/m2/day at 38 degrees C & 90% RH offering high barrier properties
thereby bringing new concepts to the market; complies with EU and FDA
regulations for food grade applications and happens to be cost effective.
FLEXMETPROTECT F-HMB Film finds extensive use in Liquid Packaging, Stand Up
Pouch Applications, Barrier layer in challenging applications like ‘Bag in Box’,
Chemical Packaging, Pharma Packaging, Hot fill applications up to 80 degree C.
among others. This film is available in 8 – 50 micron thickness range.”
Sharing his views about the potential of the new
product, Mr. Anantshree Chaturvedi, Vice Chairman& CEO, Flex Films
International – the global film manufacturing arm of Uflex Limited said, “Flex
Films is focusing on speciality substrates that add real value to the business
of convertors and that of their customers by enhancing the quality and profile of
the resultant packaging. Our expansion strategy hereafter will be niche product
driven and not commodity driven. FLEXMETPROTECT F-HMB is a technologically
superior film with encouraging demand. If we talk about the US itself, the
market for this specialized film is expected to be about 25% of the current
metalized film market.”
Congratulating his engineers, Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi,
Chairman & Managing Director, Uflex Limited said, “FLEXMETPROTECT F-HMB is
a classic example of value engineering that shall bring substantial benefits
and cheer to the converting fraternity not only in the US but globally. This is
Innovation to Create Value Added Differentiation.”
