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New blends from FKuR yield strong but thin films

New technology has been developed by bioplastics producer FKuR that allows for thinner films, making it possible to save on material with zero loss of performance.  The first two films based on the new technology, Bio-Flex FX 1120 and Bio-Flex FX 1130 will be among the products being showcased this year at FKuR’s booth at K 2016 (Hall 6, E 48). Both films offer extremely low thicknesses combined with a high puncture resistance that makes them very suitable especially for flexible packaging applications. Processing is comparable to standard PE for both FX types of Bio-Flex, says the company, adding that the renewable raw material content of both new films is upwards of 50%, depending on the type. In addition, not only are films made from these materials compostable according to EN 13432, the materials have also been approved for food contact.

“Aside from the use of renewable resources, material reduction is an essential pillar on the road to achieving greater sustainability,” said Julian Schmeling, head of development at FKuR “This applies to conventional plastics as well as to bioplastics.”

He pointed out that the trend to produce strong, tough and ever thinner films was one long seen in conventional polyolefin films. Now, he said, films made from biodegradable resins reach sufficient performance values at thicknesses of about 15 microns. “In practice, the film thicknesses today are between 18 and 26 microns,” he noted.

FKuR’s newest products have been designed precisely to allow processors keep up with this trend for very thin films, using bioplastics. Bio-Flex FX 1130 differs from the standard compound – Bio-Flex F 1130 – in that the latter yields film with a paper-like touch, while the new FX grade offers a silky surface. Films produced with this blend are further characterized by an increased tensile strength, puncture and tear resistance. As a result, processors use less material without compromising the performance characteristics of the film, and in fact, practice has shown film thicknesses of 8 microns to be possible. In addition, film manufacturers benefit from high throughputs in extrusion, as well as excellent sealing properties of the material.

FKuR’s Bio-Flex FX 1120 has been developed specifically for the production of very thin bags, of the kind used for bio-waste disposal. Compared to starch blends, this compound offers increased water resistance and a high moisture retention ability – preventing the moisture, which originates during the decomposition of organic products in bio-bags, from escaping. Moreover, Bio-Flex FX 1120 is composed of over 50% renewably sourced material, the compound fulfills the requirements of the German Bio-waste Ordinance.

“Thanks to the use of novel polymeric additive systems and an adapted compounding process, FKuR now provides converters with the possibility to follow the trend using bioplastics and combine significant material savings along with compostability,” Schmeling concluded.

Source: www.plasticstoday.com

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