Tear on the dotted line…

Pechiney Plastic Packaging, a global leader in value-added flexible packaging, has unveiled LaserTear, a precise scoring technology that is said to create fail-proof, easy-to-open tear lines set exactly to manufacturers' specifications.

Pechiney claims that the LaserTear technology makes the potential problems of traditional perforating systems obsolete. When scores are inconsistent - something that can occur using more traditional perforation systems - money and materials can be lost due to imperfect tears and packages that either do not open cleanly - or do not open at all.

LaserTear forms a flawless directional score that can be a straight line or two-dimensional. The precision technology scores the film - plastic, paper or foil - at a controlled depth and is capable of tight tolerances. As the film is converted to the final package, this virtually undetectable score becomes a precise tear path. An easy pull in the score line triggers an accurate tear that the company says retains full functionality of the reclosable zipper, while protecting package contents.

"Consumers don't care how their packages are scored,"​ said Scott Lamerand, product manager for PPPI's Food Flexible Packaging. "They need their packages to open cleanly and easily. Our customers who use LaserTear can rest assured that their packages will open correctly every time."​

The product is aimed at applications such as selective layer cutting, through cutting and perforating, and compliments barrier and zipper packaging designs. The technology can be used in any market where easy open features are necessary, including single serve, stick packs and stand up pouches.

Pechiney Plastic Packaging​ is a leader in plastic packaging, primarily for the food, beverage, meat, dairy, health care, personal care and specialty markets, as well as plastic bottles for the food and beverage markets. As a subsidiary of Pechiney Group, PPPI operates 38 flexible and bottle plants in the Americas, Europe and Australia.