The Science and Technology of Flexible Packaging: Multilayer Films from Resin and Process to End Use, Second Edition provides a comprehensive guide on plastic films in flexible packaging, covering scientific principles, materials properties, processes and end use considerations. Sections discuss the science of multilayer films in a concise and impactful way, presenting the fundamental understanding required to improve product design, material selection and processes. In addition, the book includes information on why one material is favored over another and how film or coating affects material properties. Descriptions and analysis of key properties of packaging films are provided from engineering and scientific perspectives. With essential scientific insights, best practice techniques, environmental sustainability information and key principles of structure design, this book provides information aids in material selection and processing, how to shorten development times and deliver stronger products, and ways to enable engineers and scientists to deliver superior products with reduced development time and cost. Provides essential information on all aspects of multilayer films in flexible packaging, including processing, properties, materials and end use Bridges the gap between scientific principles and practical challenges Includes explanations to assist practitioners in overcoming challenges Enables the reader to address new challenges, such as design for sustainability and eCommerce

Efficiently and profitably delivering quality flexible packaging to the marketplace requires designing and manufacturing products that are both "fit-to-use" and "fit-to-make". The engineering function in a flexible packaging enterprise must attend to these dual design challenges. Flexible Packaging discusses the basic processes used to manufacture flexible packaging products, including rotogravure printing, flexographic printing, adhesive lamination, extrusion lamination/coating; and finishing/slitting. These processes are then related to the machines used to practice them, emphasising the basics of machines’ control systems , and options to minimize wasted time and materials between production jobs. Raw materials are also considered, including the three basic forms: Rollstock (paper, foil, plastic films); Resin; and Wets (inks, varnishes, primers). Guidance is provided on both material selection, and on adding value through enhancement or modification of the materials’ physical features. A ‘measures’ section covers both primary material features – such as tensile, elongation, modulus and elastic and plastic regions – and secondary quality characteristics such as seal and bond strengths, coefficient of friction, oxygen barrier and moisture vapour barrier. Helps engineers improve existing raw material selection and manufacturing processes for manufacturing functional flexible packaging materials. Covers all aspects of delivering high value packaging to the customer – from the raw materials, to the methods of processing them, the machines used to do it, and the measures required to gauge the characteristics of the product. Helps engineers to minimize waste and unproductive time in production.

Multilayer Flexible Packaging, Second Edition, provides a thorough introduction to the manufacturing and applications of flexible plastic films, covering materials, hardware and processes, and multilayer film designs and applications. The book gives engineers and technicians a better understanding of the capability and limitations of multilayer flexible films and how to use them to make effective packaging. It includes contributions from world renowned experts and is fully updated to reflect the rapid advances made in the field since 2009, also including an entirely new chapter on the use of bio-based polymers in flexible packaging. The result is a practical, but detailed reference for polymeric flexible packaging professionals, including product developers, process engineers, and technical service representatives. The materials coverage includes detailed sections on polyethylene, polypropylene, and additives. The dies used to produce multilayer films are explored in the hardware section, and the process engineering of film manufacture is explained, with a particular focus on meeting specifications and targets. In addition, a new chapter has been added on regulations for food packaging – including both FDA and EU regulations. Provides a complete introduction to multilayer flexible packaging, assisting plastics practitioners with the development, design, and manufacture of flexible packaging for food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and more Presents thorough, well-written, and up-to-date reviews of the current technology by experts in the field, making this an essential reference for any engineer or manager Includes discussion and analysis of the latest rules and regulations governing food packaging

Recycling of Flexible Plastic Packaging presents thorough and detailed information on the management and recycling of flexible plastic packaging, focusing on the latest actual/potential methods and techniques and offering actionable solutions that minimize waste and increase product efficiency and sustainability. Sections cover flexible plastic packaging and its benefits, applications and challenges. This is followed by in-depth coverage of the materials, types and forms of flexible packaging. Other key discussions cover collection and pre-treatment, volume reduction, separation from other materials, chemical recycling, post-processing and reuse, current regulations and policies, economic aspects and immediate trends. This information will be highly valuable to engineers, scientists and R&D professionals across industry. In addition, it will also be of great interest to researchers in academia, those in government, or anyone with an interest in recycling who is looking to further advance and implement recycling methods for flexible plastic packaging. Presents state-of-the-art methods and technologies regarding the processing of flexible plastic packaging waste Addresses the challenges currently associated with both waste management and available recycling methods Opens the door to innovation, supporting improved recycling methods, manufacturing efficiency and industrial sustainability

Flexible Packaging investigates the use of pliable materials to create unique packaging solutions for a variety of consumer goods. Easily modified, materials such as fabric, paper, plastic and aluminum can readily be applied to products with unusual shapes or properties where a traditional rigid template or box format would only hinder its merchandising. Likewise, when the products are innately more durable, there is no need for stiff packaging to encase or protect and more graceful forms and creative concepts can be explored. As much of the innovation in packaging involves food items, the focus also shifts to retaining freshness, responding to environmental pressures and exploring renewable or biodegradable materials. The overall winner is the consumer as more designers attempt to marry functionality with aesthetics and sustainability to respond to market desires.

Packaging is an essential feature of modern life. The science and art of packaging is so vast that no single book or even a multivolume work could hope to cover the entire scope of topics, from Artwork to Zipper. This volume has selected some of the most commonly raised questions in the field of flexible packaging of food. No claim is made for comprehensive coverage of the field-nor even for an in-depth exploration of a limited number of topics. The novice should find sufficient material here to gain a broad understanding of flexible packaging. The expert's knowledge may be enriched by the case studies and the additional reading lists. The first topic covered is "Who needs packaging?" We conclude that everyone depends on packaging. Western civilization as we know it today would cease without modern packaging. The advantages of controlled atmosphere (CA) or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP are reviewed, especially as they apply to the preservation of meat cheese and produce. The need for a moisture and oxygen barrier is analyzed, and materials that provide these properties are presented. The legal aspects of packaging are confronted-including FDA and USDA oversight, EPA and toxic waste disposal, bar codes, and nutritional labeling. Machinery-especially form-fill-seal (ffs)-is covered in detail, and the influence of the computer on the modern packaging operation is discussed.

Prepared by a veteran flexible packaging specialist, this recent book provides a systematic review of this technology, with the emphasis on conversion processes. All unit process steps are covered including surface treatment and adhesion, printing and coating, drying, laminating, roll winding and slitting, and heat sealing. Also, formulation and permeability are discussed in detail. An introductory chapter provides an overview of the flexible packaging conversion business and a review of the development of its technology. Extensive reference data is provided in tables and graphs. And numerous schematics illustrate processes.