October 2024 Blow Molding Blog
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October 3, 2024
Paper Coated With Plant-Based Plasma Could be a New Alternative for the Packaging Industry
Paper Coated With Plant-Based Plasma Could be a New Alternative for the Packaging Industry
Researchers from Fraunhofer Institute are experimenting with plant-based barrier coatings on paper using an innovative plasma coating concept, this could represent a new alternative for the packaging industry. To make the paper moisture resistant, the researchers have primarily focused on using untapped plant substances that contain high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids. The project team has placed special focus on the use of oregano and chia oil, as well as a substance obtained from bark. These substances are of particular importance because of their antibacterial effects among other properties. The researchers used a technique known as plasma polymerization to coat the paper with their novel plant-based coatings. To make this work, the researchers first had to create the plasma by ionizing two rotationally symmetric electrodes and applying high voltage to them. They used a new geometric arrangement for the electrodes and a new aerosol introduction and plasma ignition method. This innovative method was specifically designed by the scientists for their barrier coatings project. Once the plasma is created, nitrogen is added to the plan substances to convert them into an aerosol. The aerosol is then introduced into the plasma as vaporized organic precursors and the particles start to form plasma polymer networks. The particles also crosslink and spread all over the paper’s surface penetrating deeply and evenly into the pores and fibers. Researcher at Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST, Martin Bellmann, mentioned that “the plasma is essential in making the plant molecules reactive and enabling them to crosslink into polymers.” Learn more about this topic here.
October 19, 2024
New Eco friendly Clarified Colored PP Bottles Hit the Pharmaceuticals Market
New Eco friendly Clarified Colored PP Bottles Hit the Pharmaceuticals Market
Berry Global expands its portfolio with the launch of new clarified polypropylene (PP) bottles for pharmaceutical applications. The bottles minimize emissions and feature improved recyclability. According to Berry Global, its ClariPPil bottles offer excellent functionality, product protection, and aesthetics. Additionally, they can be used to package a wide range of products such as vitamins, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, beauty supplements and OTC treatments. The recyclability of the bottles is a great feature, and it is further enhanced when paired with Berry’s PP closures. In fact, by combining the bottles with the recyclable closures, the bottle achieved a Recyclass A certification. The bottles are available in a range of colors including green and light or dark amber, of course custom colors are also available and can be produced upon request. The bottles were designed to be extremely eco-friendly, and as such the developers also focused on reducing emissions during production. Using an internal Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculation, the company was able to determine that the bottle’s new production process reduces CO2 emissions by an astounding 71%, when compared to conventional production methods. The ClariPPil bottles also demonstrated better moisture ingress protection when compared to PET, exhibiting an 84% improvement in this metric. Learn more about this topic here.
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