Dow Performance Silicones Launches New Silicone Masterbatch with Stable, Efficient Slip Performance for Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) Packaging at Fakuma 2018
Reducing stress on LDPE film used in high-volume, high-speed FFS packaging operations requires stable, long-lasting slip additives to lower the COF on film surfaces.
FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY – 16 October 2018 – Dow Performance Silicones, a global business unit of DowDuPont Specialty Products Division, is introducing here at Fakuma 2018 in Nexeo Solutions’ stand (#A3-3217) DOW CORNING™ MB25-235 Masterbatch, a new silicone-based technology that significantly reduces the coefficient of friction (COF) of low density polyethylene (LDPE) film to optimize flexible packaging production. The new masterbatch addresses the traditional drawbacks of organic additives by delivering stable, long-lasting slip performance and avoiding migration to the film surface. It is approved for food contact under European Union, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Chinese regulations, and is well suited for use in food and non-food packaging using form-fill-seal (FFS) technology. The new DOW CORNING™ MB25-235 Masterbatch, together with Dow Performance Silicones’ 2017 launch of DOW CORNING™ HMB-6301 Masterbatch for reducing COF in bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, are the latest additions to the company’s growing family of siliconebased masterbatches for flexible packaging. These products are also part of the company’s extensive portfolio of silicone solutions that extend properties, enhance processing and reinforce materials.
“We are strongly committed to investing in the future of the packaging industry through the continued development of increasingly higher performing, differentiated slip agents for flexible packaging to help our customers achieve faster production, consistent high quality and enhanced printing capabilities,” said Christophe Paulo, Industrial and Consumer strategic marketer, EMEA, Dow Performance Silicones. “Our goals go beyond simply solving longstanding issues associated with traditional slip additives in that we also strive to deliver greater value with each solution, whether it’s expanded food contact compliance or
compatibility with the latest graphical technologies.”
Long-lasting Slip Performance for FFS Packaging
Reducing stress on LDPE film used in high-volume, high-speed FFS packaging operations requires stable, long-lasting slip additives to lower the COF on film surfaces. DOW CORNING MB25-235 Masterbatch is an advanced silicone slip technology that helps to increase production speed, maintain uninterrupted throughput and ensure uniform film quality.
This new masterbatch far surpasses traditional organic additives by delivering a consistently low, stable COF that is unaffected by time duration or temperature. It maintains the film’s critical mechanical properties like tensile and tear strength. Importantly, unlike organics, DOW CORNING MB25-235 Masterbatch will not migrate to the film surface. Non-migration between film layers or between the film and package contents helps prevent impact on downstream operations, such as printing and metallization and potential contamination of food or other contents.
Another benefit of the new product is its cost-effectiveness. Unlike organics, it only needs to be incorporated into the outer (skin) layer of multi-layer films, reducing the amount required. It is effective at low loadings of 2wt%-4wt% in the desired film layer, which also minimizes haze.
DOW CORNING MB25-235 Masterbatch is approved for food contact under the European Union 10- 2011, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Chinese GB4806.1-2016 and GB9685-2016 regulations. Broad Masterbatch Portfolio for Flexible Packaging
In addition to DOW CORNING MB25-235 Masterbatch, Dow Performance Silicones offers many other additives for enhancing the performance and processing of flexible packaging. DOW CORNING HMB6301 Masterbatch, for example, is engineered for BOPP and polypropylene (PP) cast films used in food bags, wrappers, packages and pouches. It meets EU and U.S. FDA food contact compliance requirements. This slip agent lowers friction that can negatively affect the film’s appearance and cause deformations and ruptures.
Because DOW CORNING HBM-6301 Masterbatch is non-migrating, there is no transfer from the siliconetreated face to the corona-treated face. By avoiding impact on surface tension of the corona-treated face, the solution preserves the effectiveness of printing and metallization. Further, the masterbatch will not bloom or significantly affect the optical properties of transparent film.
The Dow Performance Silicones’ portfolio of silicone-based masterbatch technologies for packaging applications also include:
• DOW CORNING™ MB50-001 Masterbatch for reducing COF and preventing scratching/marring in PP;
• DOW CORNING™ MB50-002 Masterbatch, which improves processing and flow of LDPE resin,
and enhances surface aesthetics;
• DOW CORNING™ MB25-502 Masterbatch, which optimizes processability of LDPE and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE); and
• DOW CORNING™ MB25-501 Masterbatch for improving slip performance and processability of PP.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Dow Performance Silicones, in conjunction with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) will present a webinar covering technical details about the new DOW CORNING MB25-235 Masterbatch on November 27 at 3pm CET. Register to attend.
About Dow Performance Silicones
Dow Performance Silicones, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, delivers a portfolio of performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of customers and industries around the world. The business uses innovative silicon-based technology to provide solutions and ingredients to customers in commercial construction and high performance building, consumer goods, silicone elastomers, and pressure sensitive industries. As a global leader in innovation and silicone technology, we are committed to bringing new and proven solutions to the market that do more for our customers and
continue to improve the lives of consumers worldwide. Visit consumer.dow.com to learn more. Dow is a subsidiary of DowDuPont (NYSE: DWDP), a holding company comprised of Dow and DuPont with the intent to form three strong, independent, publicly traded companies in agriculture, materials science and specialty sectors. More information can be found at www.dow.com.
About DowDuPont Specialty Products Division:
DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont (NYSE: DWDP), is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, building and construction, health and wellness, food and worker safety. DowDuPont intends to separate the Specialty Products division into an independent, publicly traded company. More information can be found www.dow-dupont.com.
