Slip-Slop-Slap - Australian Institute of Packaging

Slip-Slop-Slap
by Michael B Halley FAIP
It was not a presentation on skin cancer at
the May meeting of Australian Institute of
Packaging in Melbourne, but a forum on
additives in plastic packaging and ink for
packaging applications.
But it could have been for the messages received
were closely aligned to those given about protection
from the sun. Debra Watkins Business Manager
of Croda Australia and Angelo Spano National
Segment Manager Liquid Inks at FlintGroup walked
us through the often highly technical but very
interesting fields of their industry.
Debra enlightened us about the role of additives in plastic packaging that are formulated to increase the
functionality of the material being converted. Almost always supported by a Masterbatch additives can
modify the friction in rolls of film, assist in mold release and provide UV protection. (More or less Slip
Slop Slap)
Additives supplied by Croda are influenced by the company’s global reach and are formulated to assist
and enhance:-
• Friction Modification
• Mold release
• Torque release
• Scratch and Scuff resistance
• Anti-block
• Anti-stat
• Anti-fog
• Pigment & Filler dispersion
• Polymer flow improvement
• De-nesting
• UV Absorption –Colour and Vitamin Retention
The additives migrate to the surface of the liquid plastic material and provide the enhancement.
Examples are friction modification to allow rolls of film or plastic bags to unwind without sticking,
reducing the adhesion of things such as small plastic bags in produce sales areas and reducing the static
electricity built up during processing.
For all polymers, (even bio) there is a specific additive for optimum result. Brochures supplied asked: -
• Could you benefit from a slip additive that decreases friction and mold release in your PET
manufacturing process?
• Are high surface friction and poor mold release holding your polystyrene manufacturing back?
• Would you like to make more money from your injection moulding process?
Answers to the questions are contained in the range of Croda products and some examples of additives
for the lesser used or developing polymers were supplied. A series of technical slides really grabbed
attention and led to a question session of unprecedented length.
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Slip-Slop-Slap
by Michael B Halley FAIP
The additive (Solarsorb) specifically formulated to give UV protection in both film and bottle packaging
has been found to reduce the vitamin A loss in milk by nearly 40% over a four day test. Milk tested was
filled into a HDPE (500μm wall thickness) and left under fluorescent light similar to the environment in a
dairy case at your local supermarket.
Angelo Spano modified the advertised topic to one that more generally addressed the packaging
industry and took a journey of ink from research to end user. Liquid inks have many applications for
flexography or gravure printing on packages across all segments of the packaged product spectrum.
The presentation started with the question: What is Ink? and moved through an overview of compliance,
application, correct ink choice and technologies for the future. The definition of ink as “a liquid or
paste containing various pigments and colorants used to produce markings” leaves much scope for
interpretation when trying to choose the correct ink for an application. Angelo advised the best solution is
to ask some fairly straightforward but basic questions. By walking customers through the journey above
(research to end user) it has been found that the correct choice of ink can be established if answers
to basics are provided. Does it comply with the needs? Has it the ability to achieve all requirements?
Can the press used meet the conditions expected? Are the technology directions compatible? These are
some of the questions that would be considered essential.
To ensure the various levels of compliance, all products have a material data safety sheet (MSDS) to
assist selection and ensure legal compliance. Ink manufacturers are conscious that their products are
a part of the overall environmental solution. Words like resin and solvents can be seized upon to wrong
effect so much research is being done to eliminate conjecture. Flint has undertaken extensive research
globally to explore environmentally friendly products and the results are remarkable. Inks are constantly
changing to meet ever changing demands and establish ‘green credentials’.
Market drivers for ink are no different than any other product used in packaging. Converters, retailers and
the consumer are the catalysts for change and there is no doubt that all are conscious of environmental
drivers.
So whether it be an additive for plastic resin or ink for glamorising a package it is important to work
toward commercial and environmental outcomes. The presenters fielded many questions with
professionalism and left the assembly in no doubt that they know their stuff.
Ralph Moyle the Southern Branch Chairman thanked Debra and Angelo and gifted them with a present
that encompassed both plastics packaging and printing inks.
More information can be found on the company web sites www.ip.flitgrp.com and www.croda.com.au or
email dwatkins@croda.com.au and angelo.spano@ip.flintgrp.com
Michael B Halley FAIP
Australian Institute of Packaging
www.aipack.com.au
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