LIVINGSTON, NJ – September 6, 2023 – Inteplast Group’s BOPP Films and Engineered Films (IEF) have developed a film portfolio of recyclable, mono-material flexible packaging featuring cutting edge biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) films and low seal initiation temperature (SIT) sealant webs. The portfolio will be exhibited at this September’s Pack Expo in Las Vegas.
When used in tandem, these BOPE films and low-SIT sealant webs support the industry-wide shift toward flexible packaging that is recycle-ready and circular economy friendly. Potential applications include stand-up pouches, fresh-cut produce packaging, cold-seal packaging, and vertical and horizontal form, fill and seal.
Historically, traditional multi-material flexible packaging has been non-recyclable due to the complications with material separation. The use of mono-material PE flexible packaging improves recycling rates, reduces waste, and promotes the sustainable use of resources.
IEF President Bob Stein said, “I am very excited to be working closely with our colleagues at BOPP Films on this very relevant project. Together, I know that we bring an impactful solution to those seeking store drop-off solutions for pouches.”
Paul Marquard, assistant general manager and vice president of sales and marketing at BOPP Films, agreed.
“There is a growing demand for mono-material flexible packaging solutions, which stand as a foundation for sustainable packaging and facilitate downstream recycling efforts. We are responding to the evolving needs of our customers and the market. Through our partnership with Inteplast Engineered Films, we’ve drawn upon our collective wealth of expertise in film development. We look forward to introducing our range of BOPE films to the marketplace. Our partnership will offer a comprehensive solution that addresses a multitude of challenges,” said Marquard.
More About the Collaboration
Inteplast BOPP supplies a full suite of high-strength BOPE films while providing downgauging opportunities and the ability to replace PET, blown PE, OPP, and MDO films. Their BOPE films feature high tensiles with low elongation, low film haze with high clarity and gloss, and excellent printability for enhanced brand promotion.
Inteplast Engineered Films’ low-SIT sealant webs support flexible packaging converters and brand owners looking to switch to recyclable PE packaging by improving processability by lowering the melt point of the PE sealant layer. These films provide an improved temperature differential between the outer skin and sealant to allow mono-material laminates, such as PE//BOPE, to be processed on existing pouching lines without negatively impacting throughput. Without a low-SIT film, the mono-laminated structure is likely to require much lower line speeds.
Another benefit of the low-SIT sealants is that the lower temperature operating window lowers the chance of inducing curl and helps to assure a consistently flat pouch. IEF’s low-SIT sealant webs target structures that replace BOPET, BOPP, and BON laminates with BOPE and MDO films. IEF offers different structures depending upon the requirements, includes enhanced seal performance, wider seal windows for faster throughput, improved caulkability for more consistent seals, and lower channel leakers. These low-SIT sealant webs are also pre-qualified for store drop-off recycling programs.
IEF and BOPP Films will be displaying their mono-material flexible packaging portfolio at this September’s Pack Expo Las Vegas. For more information on the Inteplast Group booth, visit https://packexpo23.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=12446772.
Inteplast Engineered Films
Inteplast Engineered Films manufactures films for numerous markets including, but not limited to food packaging, industrial, building, horticultural and garden, janitorial and sanitation, and foodservice. The company offers a range of highly technical solutions with a keen product focus and extensive research and development in sustainability. For more information, visit https://inteplastef.com
About Inteplast Group
Established in 1991, Inteplast Group is a leading integrated plastics manufacturer founded on the ideal of American manufacturing. Our products support diverse markets including healthcare, foodservice, packaging, building products, grocery, retail, sanitation, industrial, and graphic arts industries. Headquartered in Livingston, N.J., Inteplast Group is now more than 8,000 employees strong and operates more than 55 facilities including our flagship manufacturing complex in Lolita, Texas. Our dedicated and experienced people are committed to delivering quality products and partnering with our customers to enable their success. Visit http://www.inteplast.com for more information.
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