Issue 02/2017
bioplasticsMAGAZINE_1702
bioplasticsMAGAZINE_1702
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Automotive<br />
10<br />
Years ago<br />
Published in<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE<br />
In March <strong>2017</strong>, Andy Sweetman (Futamura 1 )<br />
says:<br />
“Its fascinating to reread an article from<br />
10 years ago. The original image shows a<br />
minimally printed NatureFlex NVS film with<br />
an additional label.<br />
http://tinyurl.com/lidding2007<br />
Applications<br />
photos: Innovia<br />
Transparent<br />
heat-sealable<br />
compostable<br />
film<br />
New biodegradable and<br />
compostable film for food<br />
applications under chill conditions<br />
30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/07] Vol. 2<br />
www.innoviafilms.com<br />
A new grade of Innovia Films‘ NatureFlex TM biodegradable<br />
was launched by the company in last October. NatureFlex<br />
NVS film has been specifically formulated to offer<br />
improved stiffness under chill cabinet conditions and<br />
features a heat-sealable conversion-friendly coating on<br />
both sides. While the film is semi permeable to moisture,<br />
providing good anti-mist properties, on the other<br />
had it offers a good barrier to gases and aromas. Target<br />
applications include the flow packing of fresh produce,<br />
window bags and bakery.<br />
The high gloss film with enhanced transparency has<br />
inherent anti-static properties, good dead-fold properties<br />
and is resistant against oil and greases. Enhanced<br />
printability and controlled slip properties ensure easier<br />
conversion. NatureFlex NVS is currently available in 23<br />
and 30 micron thicknesses.<br />
The cellulose based NatureFlex films are derived from<br />
renewable wood pulp which is sourced from managed<br />
plantations operating good forestry principals (FSC or<br />
equivalent). In addition to meeting EN13432, ASTM D6400<br />
and Australian AS4736 standards for compostable packaging,<br />
NatureFlex is also suitable for home composting.<br />
One of the first supermarkets to adopt the new film<br />
is Sainsbury‘s in the UK. In September Sainsbury‘s announced<br />
that they would change over 500 product lines<br />
to biopackaging. The objective is to save 4,000 tons of<br />
fossil-based plastics annually. For Sainsbury‘s, Innovia<br />
Films deliver the film to Natura A.S.P. Ltd for conversion<br />
to the packers requirements. The film is printed first with<br />
the compostable logo and reference numbers before being<br />
micro-perforated at A.S.P.‘s plant in Watford, in order<br />
to tailor gas permeability to the products‘ requirements.<br />
The film is then used by Sainsbury‘s to flow-wrap a wide<br />
range of own brand organic fruit and vegetables.<br />
Andy Sweetman, Innovia Films‘ Market Development<br />
Manager, Sustainable Technologies says „Innovia Films<br />
have been supplying Sainsbury‘s packers with NatureFlex<br />
through A.S.P. for use on organic produce for nearly five<br />
years. Their recent declaration to considerably increase<br />
the use of biodegradable and compostable packaging is<br />
a strong indication that environmental issues are seriously<br />
being considered by the major retail chains. Our<br />
new NatureFlex NVS grade significantly improves packaging<br />
performance in such applications.“<br />
Whilst such ‘simple’ applications still<br />
continue, and NVS is a very successful product<br />
for Futamura, more and more NatureFlex films<br />
are used in much more complex biolaminate<br />
constructions:<br />
They provide the critical high barrier and<br />
printability webs; transparent NatureFlex NK<br />
films for heat-resistance and optimum printability;<br />
metallised films for high moisture and gas barrier<br />
performance.<br />
Laminate NatureFlex films to other bioplastic<br />
films which provide strong and integral seals, and<br />
you have the perfect solution for dry food pouches,<br />
capsule-lids and sachets…<br />
Typical applications today include coffee,<br />
tea, biscuits, health bars, bakery bags, sugarconfectionery,<br />
chocolate, labels and dry foods such<br />
as pasta, rices and beans.”<br />
100%<br />
Week 1<br />
Week 2<br />
Week 3<br />
Week 4<br />
BIODEGRADATION PROCESS<br />
EcoWorks ®<br />
www.EcoFilm.com<br />
info@CortecVCI.com<br />
1-800-4-CORTEC<br />
St. Paul, MN 55110 USA<br />
© Cortec Corporation 2006<br />
70<br />
EcoWorks<br />
Biodegradable<br />
Replacement for Plastic and Polyethylene<br />
Up to 70% Bio-based With<br />
Annually Renewable Resources<br />
From thick rigid plastic cards to fl exible protective wrap,<br />
EcoWorks ® 70 by Cortec ® Research Chemists offers universal,<br />
biodegradable replacement to traditional plastic<br />
and polyethylene films. This patent pending breakthrough<br />
meets ASTM D6400 and DIN V 54 900. EcoWorks ® 70<br />
does not contain polyethylene or starch but relies heavily<br />
on renewable, bio-based polyester from corn. 100%<br />
biodegradable, it turns into water and carbon dioxide in<br />
commercial composting.<br />
EcoWorks BioPlastic.indd 1 8/2/06 8:44:40 AM<br />
®<br />
A recent<br />
pack using<br />
NatureFlex,<br />
showing the<br />
stunning<br />
printability of<br />
Futamura’s<br />
compostable<br />
packaging<br />
films.<br />
1: in 2016 Futamura acquired the NatureFlex TM<br />
activities from Innovia Films<br />
52 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>02</strong>/17] Vol. 12