Converting Industry News, Part 1
- Published: September 30, 2004, By Edited by Carrie Cleaveland
Covering the Full Spectrum of Industry News, Events & Activities
UV System Custom-Designed for Many Functions
When Anglian Flexible Coatings, Norfolk, UK, wanted to cure silicon release coating on label stock, the converter turned to GEW, who supplied it with a nitrogen-purged, water-cooled UV curing system custom-made to suit Anglian’s special requirements.
GEW used a 3D CAD design system to engineer and manufacture an inert UV curing module with special web transport features. Because the line, from Polytype, was intended to coat unsupported films with a thickness as low as eight microns, the maximum in heat management was required. The integral water-cooled chill roll was needed for both heat management and increased oxygen.
"The converting system containing the GEW UV system is truly multi-functional," says Anglian managing director Paul Field. "It is capable of coating all unsupported filmic substrates along with metallized film, foil, and paper. In addition to a silicon release coating, we can apply pressure-sensitive adhesives, hot melt coatings, and laminates…. GEW personnel worked closely with our people to ensure high quality production." He adds, "The compact size of the GEW inerted system and low nitrogen consumption have resulted in significant cost savings."
Supplier Information
GEW; gewuv.com
Polytype America Corp.; polytype.com
Ship Liquid Containers Safely
By combining two materials into one, New Pig Corp., Tipton, PA, USA, says it has made the process of shipping and transporting breakable liquid containers simpler, safer, and cheaper. Patent-pending PIG BubbleZorb packaging material features a multilayer PP absorbent mat that attaches to a PE and nylon cushion bubble.
The company says it provides both protection against breakage and complete absorbency of any liquid if breakage occurs. Material is cushioned by 3⁄16-in. PE reinforced bubble, is perforated every 12 in. for easy, customized sizing for handlers, and absorbs 6 oz/sq ft. Able to be manufactured with different absorbent weights and cut to any size or shape, the material reportedly saves time and reduces waste, inventory needs, box size, and freight expenses.
Retortable Carton Gets US Application
Tetra Pak unveils the first commercial application of its Tetra Recart package in the US by Hormel Foods Corp. for its Stagg and Hormel brand chilies.
Tetra Recart saw its first commercial application by Nestlé /Italy in 2001. The structure is a six-layer laminate that includes plastic, foil, and paper and can withstand low-acid food retort processes.
With no sharp edges, Tetra Recart provides an alternative to metal food cans, stand-up pouches, and glass jars. It is recyclable, reclosable, and requires no sharp tools to open, the company notes.
Tetra Recart is said to accommodate unlimited particulate size and shape and to offer great retail presence due to its shape and sharp graphics printed directly onto the package. The Inst. of Food Technologists (IFT) honored the Tetra Recart package with its Food Technology Industrial Achievement Award at IFT’s Las Vegas show in July.
Opening Milk Cartons Is Child’s Play
Schoolchildren in Norway are having an easier time opening their milk cartons these days, thanks to TINE dairies’ Mini Diamond Pure-Pak carton from Elopak, Spikkestead, Norway. The extended top panel features a larger screw cap, called the Elo-Cap.
The dairy also is putting its Go’Morgen drinking yogurt in the Diamond Pure-Pak cartons, which are said to provide a premium image, are available in portion size, and feature a large closure for the high-viscous yogurt.
Copol Enters Multilayer Film Market
Copol Intl., North Sydney, NS, Canada, will enter the multilayer film market with coextrusion equipment from Davis-Standard. Copol is a supplier of unoriented CPP films to North American converters.
Explains David Sawler, Copol’s VP of operations, "Adding three-layer extrusion capability will enable us to improve processing rates while extending our product range to films with enhanced performance properties for specialty packaging applications." The equipment upgrade consists of two satellite extruders, a coextrusion feedblock, die modification, gravimetric feeder, and loading system.
This is Copol’s first Davis-Standard equipment purchase, but the company operates four Davis-Standard cast film extruders inherited from another business.
"Davis Standard is recognized industry-wide for supplying superior equipment," Sawler notes. "They are easy to work with and are absolutely driven to addressing our needs. There is no question their technology and service is proven. Our relationship with Davis-Standard is based on total confidence in their ability to deliver a successful project."
Supplier Information
Davis-Standard; davis-standard.com
Lidstock Adds Classic Touch to Entrees
A matte-finish lidstock and EZ peel opening from Curwood, Oshkosh, WI, USA, are making Harris Ranch’s new Cookhouse Classics stand out on the shelves.
The packaging for these fully cooked, microwavable beef entrees carries branding graphics, cooking instructions, and nutrition information on the lidstock, eliminating the need for a paperboard sleeve or box.
Each variety comes in a 1- and 2-lb serving, contained in an inner cooking bag and placed in a thermoformed tray covered with Curwood lidding film.
The lidding stock consists of a 48-ga oriented polyester film with eight-color, reverse-printed graphics, laminated to a coextruded film comprising white EVOH film and the EZ peel sealant layer. Curwood reports the matte finish on the lid eliminates the glare from retail display shelves, showcasing the product to consumers.
Laminator to Enhance Capabilites at Union Industries
Nordmeccanica N.A. announces that Union Industries, Providence, RI, USA, ordered its highest-technology, solvent-free laminator, the Super Duplex Compact SL.
The laminator employs industrial PC technology, AC vector motors, and AC vector digital drive systems to produce operating speeds to 600 mpm on a range of products including PE, PP, PET, aluminum foil, and paper. Union Industries will use the new piece of equipment to enhance its already installed ten-color flexographic printing press and pouchmaking capabilities.
Supplier Information
Nordmeccanica N.A.; nordmeccanica.com
