Toray Plastics (America) Film Takes the High Road
- Published: October 25, 2016
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI | Toray Plastics (America), manufacturer of polypropylene, polyester, metallized, and bio-based films, announces the introduction of the Torayfan Over-the-Mountain (OTM) portfolio of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films. The films, for use in the manufacture of pillows, pouches, and stand-up pouches (SUP) for salty and savory snacks, cookies, crackers, biscuits, and confectionery items, are designed to prevent packages from bursting when transported in high-altitude and low-atmospheric-pressure conditions. In high altitudes, the air pressure outside the package decreases, causing it to inflate. That inflation places additional stress on the seals and may damage them or cause them to burst. 
Company’s proprietary, modified PP core layer and a proprietary sealant are said to work synergistically to provide superior seal performance. Seal strength and hermetic seals help to maintain the integrity of the package and protect the oxygen and moisture barrier that allow food to stay fresh. Studies reportedly have shown that these OTM films can survive altitudes of about 17,000 ft before exhibiting a leak and about 38,000 ft before rupturing completely.
Hermetic seals also ensure an excellent seal through any food residue, company says. The proprietary sealant closes channel leaks in challenging seal areas, preventing oxygen and moisture from getting into the package and degrading product freshness. The high-performance sealant also prevents any necessary oils in the packaged product from leaking out through the seal areas and leaving a greasy texture on the package.
According to the company, films are robust enough to allow a switch from a traditional three-ply lamination to a two-ply structure; simplifying the converting process promotes production efficiencies and enables cost savings; and films allow for efficient, multi-channel distribution.
"Geographical differences between the four regions of the United States create significant distribution challenges for CPGs," says Amanda Whaley, product manager, Torayfan Division. "With Toray's OTM films, the incidence of bags bursting can be significantly reduced or even eliminated. This innovation gives CPGs the confidence to distribute their products using traditional interstate highways directly over mountain passes. It also opens up new business opportunities for smaller regional manufacturers, who will now be able to distribute products nationwide."
The films are compatible with standard VFFS and HFFS equipment that run heat-sealable BOPP film, with no changes in converting setup necessary. They are available in transparent, metallized, and white versions in a variety of barrier levels.
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