Uflex’s USA plant launches high-barrier metallised polyester film

Metallised 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. The new film aims to address this issue.

The film is either untreated or corona treated on the other surface, while metallisation is carried out on the specially treated composite surface imparting metal adhesion or bond strength of > 1200 gram-force/inch.

Dr Steven J Sargeant, GM, technology at Flex Films (USA), said, “The adhesion of metal on BOPET-based 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 specialised 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 of the film to convertors, Vijay Yadav, business head, Flex Films (USA), 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 0.6cc/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.”

He added that 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 to 50 micron thickness range.

Anantshree Chaturvedi, vice-chairman and CEO, Flex Films International, the global film manufacturing arm of Uflex, 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 specialised film is expected to be about 25% of the current metalised film market.”

Ashok Chaturvedi, chairman and managing director, Uflex, 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.”