FKuR Technology Produces Thinner Films

Published: August 18, 2016

WILLICH, GERMANY | Bioplastic specialist FKuR has developed a new technology—Bio-Flex FX 1120 and Bio-Flex FX 1130—for the production of compounds that reportedly can be processed into flexible packaging films with particularly low thickness and, at the same time, high puncture resistance

Films made from these materials are suitable for food contact and compostable according to EN 13432. Depending upon the type, the proportion of renewable raw materials is more than 50%. Company says the processing of both FX types of Bio-Flex corresponds largely to standard PE processing.

For especially thin films,
Bio-Flex FX 1130 is designed to complement the previous standard compound Bio-Flex F 1130. While films made of conventional
F 1130 have a paperlike touch, the FX quality offers a silky surface. According to company, films produced with this blend are further characterized by an increased tensile strength and puncture and tear resistance. This enables converters to use less material without compromising the performance characteristics of the film. In practice, it has been proven that film thicknesses of 8 microns are possible. In addition, film manufacturers benefit from high throughputs in extrusion, as well as excellent sealing properties of the material

For 50% biobased bags,
 Bio-Flex FX 1120 is a new development for film production, especially for very thin bags, such as bio-waste bags. The increased water resistance, when compared to starch blends, is said to permit a high retention of moisture which is originated during the decomposition of organic products in bio-bags. With a high proportion of renewable raw materials of more than 50%, the Bio-Flex FX 1120 compound fulfills the requirements of the German Bio-waste Ordinance

Julian Schmeling, head of development at FkuR, says, “Aside from the use of renewable resources, material reduction is an essential pillar on the road to achieving greater sustainability. This applies to conventional plastics as well as to bioplastics. In conventional polyolefin films, the trend to produce thinner films without the loss of strength and toughness is already known for quite some time. Films made from biodegradable resins have reached sufficient performance values with thicknesses of about 15 microns. In practice, the film thicknesses today are between 18 and 26 microns. Thanks to the use of novel polymeric additive systems and an adapted compounding process, [our company] now provides converters with the possibility to follow the trend using bioplastics and combine significant material savings along with compostability.“

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