Issue 05/2015

Barrier
Cellulose‐based
barrier solutions
By:
Andy Sweetman
Marketing Manager Packaging & Sustainability
Innovia Films
Wigton, Cumbria, UK
Selecting the right barrier is the single most important
requirement in packaging. Whether this is to oxygen,
aroma, water, gas, UV, light, mineral oil or, depending
on the product being packaged, “All of the Above”.
Innovia Films’ has a range of cellulose‐based filmic barrier
solutions for packaging to help keep products in premium
condition. The barrier properties of these films can be tailored
for different markets such as fresh produce, dried foods and
confectionery.
NatureFlex is a bioplastic film manufactured from FSC ® /
PEFC certified wood pulp (cellulose). It is available in
transparent, white, metallised and coloured varieties.
The films are available in different thicknesses ranging from
19 to 45 microns. They can also be combined with additional
grades of NatureFlex or with other bioplastic films to come
up with a further optimised packaging solution – what we call
Biolaminates.
Traditional flexible packaging laminates, such as pouches,
employ a kind of ABC principle:
• an outer printable layer for Appearance, typically a
Polyester film
• a middle metallised Polyester or aluminium foil for Barrier
• and a strong, highly sealable layer on the inside for
Containment, such as Polyethylene.
There are now a number of similar constructions in the
market using this principle the bio way; e. g. a transparent
NatureFlex with a metallised NatureFlex and a starch,
copolyester or PBS based film on the inside. These are being
used for a range of high barrier need dry food applications
Caffè Molinari SpA a leading Italian coffee company recently
introduced a Bio range (see photo), which uses fully certified
compostable packaging, and a unique new NatureFlex grade:
The coffee pack is constructed using just two‐layers,
comprising a white metallised high barrier NatureFlex
outer layer which provides both the appearance and barrier
functions in one film. This is then laminated to a biopolymer
sealant inner layer, providing high seal strength and integrity.
This innovative eco‐friendly integrated packaging system
also includes an aroma protecting bio degassing‐valve,
designed and patented by Goglio Plastic Division. The full
pack construction with the valve complies with the EN13432
industrial composting norm and is certified to OK Compost’s
composting standard by Vinçotte.
Attilio Cecchi, Area Sales Manager Italy, Innovia Films stated
“NatureFlex films are ideal for the coffee market as they fit
well with concerns about sustainability and renewability. The
environment continues to be a high priority in packaging and
certified organic coffee products are a ‘good fit’ with more
sustainable options. Innovia Films’ new high performance white
metallised NatureFlex film is ideal for this application as it is
based not only on renewable resources but also has excellent
barrier properties – essential for keeping coffee in perfect
condition.”
www.innoviafilms.com
Caffe Molinari Packs
g/m 2 /day
How various filmic structures compare to provide barrier
(Water Vapour Transmission Rate, WVTR @ 38°C, 90%RH)
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
*NVS
*NatureFlex
*NVR PLA *NE PET STARCH *NK BOPP
42 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10