Film extends shelf life through high oxygen protection - ExxonMobil
The transparent bi-axially oriented polypropylene (OPP) film, with high gas barrier properties for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), was unveiled earlier this year.
The 21-µm Bicor MB866 film has a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) coating on one side and acrylic on the other and is aimed at products such as fruits and nuts, cereals, snacks and roasted coffees.
The firm said the structure can be lap sealed and side gussets sealed for stand-up packaging.
PVOH and acrylic coatings
Laurent Chantraine, international market segment manager at ExxonMobil Chemical Films Business, told FoodProductionDaily.com it saw great potential for the film.
“[The] film is made with a PVOH coating on one side and an acrylic coating on the reverse side to provide all-round performance for oxygen-sensitive dry products requiring modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), such as fruits and nuts, cereals, snacks, roasted coffees and pet foods.
“[The] films offer food packagers a combination of high gas barrier properties for packaging dry food products and high clarity, gloss and stiffness for aesthetic benefits that help promote customer "pick up" in retail outlets.
“Typically the PVOH coating is reverse printed and adhesive laminated to a sealant film, such as blown polyethylene (PE) or cast polypropylene (PP), to provide high oxygen protection for prolonged product shelf life.
“The acrylic coating provides external gloss and the ability to seal side gussets on vertical stand-up bags.”
No plans to launch in North America
The film is available in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa but the firm said there are no plans at the moment to launch it in North America.
The clear barrier film uses solvent and chlorine-free coatings and provides protection from external contaminants and secondary packaging.
“With an oxygen barrier below 1cc/m²/day, this film delivers a barrier performance at the level of metallized polyester (PET) and typically higher than most other clear barrier solutions such as polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC) or ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) coated or coextruded films.
“The film's excellent flavour and aroma barrier properties keep products tasting and smelling fresh.”
The film is an extension of the transparent bi-axially oriented polypropylene (OPP) Bicor films designed for flexible packaging application.
