PFFC - February 2008 - (Page 34)

COATING LAMINATING Active Protection Special Report The top coat is designed to provide “active” protection of an oxide-coated/ metallized layer and give improved all-round barrier performance in the vacuum chamber, during conversion, and in food and liquid packaging end use. Dependent, of course, on the chosen substrate, x2 barrier enhancement is achievable. It retains its surface tension for 6–12 months compared to about 60 days with standard metallized films, so no in-line corona treatment is required prior to conversion, and lamination speed can be increased by at least 30%. Instant Printability An additional and valuable benefit of the new melamine coatings is their instant printability. Print can add an extra dimension to packaging, reinforcing branding messages and providing in-pack promotional opportunities. This is an area where traditional barrier coatings on flexible packaging are challenged. PFFC-ASAP 125 Conventional metallized films often require off-line print primers. These may not be “water clear,” thus reducing metallic gloss levels, and can damage the oxide/metallized layer. Application of such print primers also adds a further step to the packaging production process. DSM is actively engaged in licensing the new coatings for flexible packaging applications and reports strong interest from converters and brand owners across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The core technology also is viewed as having future applications in key markets such as electronics, medical devices, and disposables, where the characteristics of melamine meet both converting and end-use aspirations. It is interesting to see an oldestablished substance like melamine make a technology leap into leading-edge conversion of “high tech” packaging. Ann Hirst-Smith is a UK-based freelance journalist specializing in the labeling and packaging businesses. She can be reached at ahirst-smith@btconnect.com. Compet worldwide …with an “e” Sigma Technologies -Technology Partner See the smooth glow of Plasma3™ for yourself. Schedule a lab trial today. Add value to flexible packaging. Functionalize surfaces for adhesion. Clean a wide range of surfaces including foils. Technology. Expertise. Service. Personnel. www.enerconind.com/treating 34 | FEBRUARY 2008 The Power of Tel: 262-255-6070 Fax: 262-255-7784 info@enerconind.com PFFC-ASAP 126 WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM http://www.enerconind.com/treating http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PFFC - February 2008

PFFC - February 2008 Contents First Glance Calendar of Events From the Editor Web Lines Process Management News Clips Narrow Web & Label Reporter Narrow Web & Label What’s New Products Carton & Box Reporter Offset Printing A Triple Ply: Coating & Laminating Global Market Is Strong for Vacuum-Coated Products Melamine Innovation: A New Choice for Barrier Coatings How To Optimize Your Coating Solution’s Properties What’s New Products Contract Services Directory Custom Marketplace What’s New Products Services Directory Classified Marketplace Advertisers Index Experience Speaks

PFFC - February 2008

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