DNP and Film Maker Jointly Develop New Film Suitable for Pouch Packaging

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) and a filmmaker have jointly developeda new film suitable for use with pouch packaging materials for foods and toiletryproducts.

With currently available film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film andnylon film are laminated and used in combination with a further layer of film.In this latest development, however, a new film has been developed that permitsthe creation of a single film to replace PET and nylon film, and as a result,it has been possible to cut waste by reducing the overall number of layers,and reduce CO₂ emissions.

[Background]

At present, some pouch packaging materials for use with retort or microwavablefoods, and refill packaging for such personal care products as shampoo and conditioners,use a multilayer laminate of PET, nylon film, and a further film layer. PETmaintains superior printability, heat and water resistance, and aroma retainingproperty, while nylon film possesses impact resistance. The challenge has beento create a film suitable for use with foods and daily necessities from a materialthat exhibits equivalent attributes to, without combining, PET and nylon film.

In order to overcome this challenge, DNP in conjunction with a film maker,has developed a film with performance similar to that of PET and nylon combined,which can be used with foods and daily necessities. And by using this new film,it is now possible to reduce the number of layers used overall in pouch packagingmaterials for such retort or microwavable foods, along with personal care productrefill packaging.  

[Features of the New Film]

- Achieving Thin Layer Packaging

While the thickness of PET laminated with nylon film is approximately 30-40 micrometre, the new film achieves a thin layer structure of just 15-20micrometre.

- Overcoming Curling and Discoloration

Nylon film is hygroscopic leading to a deformation of the pouch packagingreferred to as "curling." Instances of discoloring also occur as a resultof the packaging absorbing moisture from the contents and the air. The newlydeveloped film does not use nylon film, making it possible to overcome thisproblem.

- Eco-Friendly

In addition to being able to cut waste volume via use of the thin layer structure,as it is also possible to omit the process for laminating the two films, aneco-friendly product can be created that according to DNP estimates, reducesCO₂ emissions by approximately 14% from the procurement of raw materials totheir ultimate disposal. The new film is also lighter as a result of the thinlayer structure, which also contributes to a reduction in recycling fees.

[Forward Looking Developments]

DNP will market the newly developed film to markets using pouch packagingmaterials, such as the food and toiletry industries, aiming for overall salesfrom packaging materials employing this new film of 2.0 billion yen in FY 2019.

 

* Product prices, specification and service contents mentioned in this newsrelease are current as of the date of publication. They may be changed at anytime without notice.