Since 2016 we have started with thermal lamination, besides extrusion, confectioning and flexoprinting.
In 2015, an important customer was looking for a reliable partner to outsource their laminating activities. This resulted in the acquisition of their high-tech laminating line.
Lamination
When laminating for flexible plastic packaging materials, several (usually different) layers are laminated together. This combines specific properties such as strength, light transmission and moisture and gas barriers. It can also be used, for example, to screen off a printed outer layer. This makes laminates extremely suitable for a wide range of food packaging.
Our thermo-laminating line
The unique feature of our thermo-laminating line is that the adhesion of the different layers of flexible plastic is done by heat and pressure (thermal laminating), without the use of (chemical) adhesion coatings and thinners. This is particularly desirable for the packaging of foodstuffs where the use of such chemicals can cause migration-problems.
Important advantages of thermal lamination are:
• No use of diluents and (chemical) coating
• Prevents transmission of unwanted taste and odor
• No atmospheric pollution by vapours during production process
• No curing period after production necessary
• No chance of the presence of toxic compounds as a result of glue processes
• Suitable for hotfill applications
• Good resistance to stress cracking
• Possibilities to produce recyclable laminates
• Excellent gas and moisture barrier > and therefore longer shelf life
An additional advantage is that the process is more environmentally friendly, efficient and cost effective. This translates into the price the customer pays.
How does all of this work?
Our laminating line operates very efficiently in a five-shift system. During production, a number of important quality measurements are carried out in-line. For example, the laminate is tested for peel, seal and tensile strength. In addition, the metallised laminates in particular are tested for light transmission.
In addition to the end products, the input materials are also tested for specific parameters. This mainly concerns pre-treatment level and size, but they are also monitored in-line for irregularities and/or contaminants by means of video-detection-system.
Durability within lamination
Most applications consist, due to their specific properties, of a mix of different materials (such as PE-PET and PE-PA). Unfortunately, such a mix of materials makes the application less recyclable. We are working hard to develop laminate consisting of 3 layers of PE, while retaining the properties required for specific applications. This is in development, and it will not be long before it’s ready. This will result in a laminate that is easily recyclable and can therefore be re-used.
Which applications?
Common applications for which our thermal laminates can be used include: juicebags, Bag-In-Box, drum bags and deepfreeze application. These are often used for filling liquids such as syrup, juices, wine and oils, but also for foods that are filled hot and used by the food processing industry.
