Issue 02/2017

Automotive
10
Years ago
Published in
bioplastics MAGAZINE
In March 2017, Andy Sweetman (Futamura 1 )
says:
“Its fascinating to reread an article from
10 years ago. The original image shows a
minimally printed NatureFlex NVS film with
an additional label.
http://tinyurl.com/lidding2007
Applications
photos: Innovia
Transparent
heat-sealable
compostable
film
New biodegradable and
compostable film for food
applications under chill conditions
30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/07] Vol. 2
www.innoviafilms.com
A new grade of Innovia Films‘ NatureFlex TM biodegradable
was launched by the company in last October. NatureFlex
NVS film has been specifically formulated to offer
improved stiffness under chill cabinet conditions and
features a heat-sealable conversion-friendly coating on
both sides. While the film is semi permeable to moisture,
providing good anti-mist properties, on the other
had it offers a good barrier to gases and aromas. Target
applications include the flow packing of fresh produce,
window bags and bakery.
The high gloss film with enhanced transparency has
inherent anti-static properties, good dead-fold properties
and is resistant against oil and greases. Enhanced
printability and controlled slip properties ensure easier
conversion. NatureFlex NVS is currently available in 23
and 30 micron thicknesses.
The cellulose based NatureFlex films are derived from
renewable wood pulp which is sourced from managed
plantations operating good forestry principals (FSC or
equivalent). In addition to meeting EN13432, ASTM D6400
and Australian AS4736 standards for compostable packaging,
NatureFlex is also suitable for home composting.
One of the first supermarkets to adopt the new film
is Sainsbury‘s in the UK. In September Sainsbury‘s announced
that they would change over 500 product lines
to biopackaging. The objective is to save 4,000 tons of
fossil-based plastics annually. For Sainsbury‘s, Innovia
Films deliver the film to Natura A.S.P. Ltd for conversion
to the packers requirements. The film is printed first with
the compostable logo and reference numbers before being
micro-perforated at A.S.P.‘s plant in Watford, in order
to tailor gas permeability to the products‘ requirements.
The film is then used by Sainsbury‘s to flow-wrap a wide
range of own brand organic fruit and vegetables.
Andy Sweetman, Innovia Films‘ Market Development
Manager, Sustainable Technologies says „Innovia Films
have been supplying Sainsbury‘s packers with NatureFlex
through A.S.P. for use on organic produce for nearly five
years. Their recent declaration to considerably increase
the use of biodegradable and compostable packaging is
a strong indication that environmental issues are seriously
being considered by the major retail chains. Our
new NatureFlex NVS grade significantly improves packaging
performance in such applications.“
Whilst such ‘simple’ applications still
continue, and NVS is a very successful product
for Futamura, more and more NatureFlex films
are used in much more complex biolaminate
constructions:
They provide the critical high barrier and
printability webs; transparent NatureFlex NK
films for heat-resistance and optimum printability;
metallised films for high moisture and gas barrier
performance.
Laminate NatureFlex films to other bioplastic
films which provide strong and integral seals, and
you have the perfect solution for dry food pouches,
capsule-lids and sachets…
Typical applications today include coffee,
tea, biscuits, health bars, bakery bags, sugarconfectionery,
chocolate, labels and dry foods such
as pasta, rices and beans.”
100%
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
BIODEGRADATION PROCESS
EcoWorks ®
www.EcoFilm.com
info@CortecVCI.com
1-800-4-CORTEC
St. Paul, MN 55110 USA
© Cortec Corporation 2006
70
EcoWorks
Biodegradable
Replacement for Plastic and Polyethylene
Up to 70% Bio-based With
Annually Renewable Resources
From thick rigid plastic cards to fl exible protective wrap,
EcoWorks ® 70 by Cortec ® Research Chemists offers universal,
biodegradable replacement to traditional plastic
and polyethylene films. This patent pending breakthrough
meets ASTM D6400 and DIN V 54 900. EcoWorks ® 70
does not contain polyethylene or starch but relies heavily
on renewable, bio-based polyester from corn. 100%
biodegradable, it turns into water and carbon dioxide in
commercial composting.
EcoWorks BioPlastic.indd 1 8/2/06 8:44:40 AM
®
A recent
pack using
NatureFlex,
showing the
stunning
printability of
Futamura’s
compostable
packaging
films.
1: in 2016 Futamura acquired the NatureFlex TM
activities from Innovia Films
52 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/17] Vol. 12