Sustainable PP plastics packaging

MILLIKEN’s fully-recyclable material, NX UltraClear PP supports sustainability through its low carbon footprint during packaging production compared to alternative plastics. Applications based on this material are said to be lighter in weight. For example, UltraClear PP trays offer a 17.8 percent weight saving compared to PET based food trays.

Food trays based on NX™ UltraClear PP are considerably lighter than PET trays and fully recyclable ((Photos © 2016 Milliken & Company, all rights reserved)

The transparent extrusion blow molded (EBM) bottles based on NX UltraClear PP are lightweight, easily empties, and boast shelf- and user-appeal. NX UltraClear PP makes it possible to integrate handles and complex, eye-catching designs in a bottle that is also easier and faster to empty than other solutions. Millad NX 8000 clarified PP offers the lowest density and lower weight compared to all alternative plastics materials and glass, and provides a one-material solution cost-efficiency. For example, for clear handleware bottles, PP based on Millad NX 8000E has a density of 0.9 g/cc compared to PET with 1.35 g/cc, and the same clarity level.

Extrusion blow molded (EBM) bottles based on NX™ UltraClear PP are easy-empty, eye-catching and lightweight. (Photos © 2016 Milliken & Company, all rights reserved)

With NX UltraClear PP, injection molders can achieve packaging, such as thin wall packaging containers, with exceptional aesthetics at the same time as improving their productivity and reducing energy use. The Millad NX 8000 additive creates a more sustainable packaging solution by allowing temperatures during the injection molding process to be lowered by 45°C.

Millad® NX™ 8000 sets the new standard in clear polypropylene for packaging with a creative and sustainable touch. (Photos © 2016 Milliken & Company, all rights reserved)

With Milliken’s ClearTint® CUV, a transparent UV absorber specifically designed for use in PP, companies can extend product shelf life. This additive can be used to inhibit UV light transmission in injection molding, thermoforming and blow molding. It protects the contents of packaging from UV light while maintaining the glass clarity look of Millad NX 8000 clarified PP.

Besides solutions for PP packaging, at Alimentaria 2016 Milliken will also showcase its ClearShield® UV absorbers additive for PET.

UV protected transparent PET bottles

It is possible to protect UV-sensitive food contents from deterioration by choosing bottles made from PET with ClearShield UV absorbers. Milliken’s ClearShield is an innovative additive which maintains the transparency of PET while blocking UV rays up to 390 nm. It helps to extend product shelf life and eliminates a need for protection in the formula of the material inside the packaging.

Ruben Subira, Regional Market Manager, Milliken Chemical Division, comments: “Milliken’s material-enhancing solutions indirectly create a buzz among food processors and retailers through the plastics packaging innovations they are helping to make possible. Thanks to our clarifiers and UV protection for PP in particular, it’s becoming increasingly easy for converters to develop plastics packaging capable of meeting the functionality, aesthetics and recyclability demands of the food industry. We are looking forward to hearing views on the top packaging preferences from across the food industry at Alimentaria 2016.”

Alimentaria will be held at the Gran Via Venue in Barcelona, from 25-28 April 2016. Visit Milliken at Hall 1, Corridor H, booth 858.