On 16 July 2012, PACT, the R&D center of INDEVCO Flexible Packaging Business Development Office, held a conference at Masterpak offices in Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon. The conference aimed at aligning with teams of Masterpak, co-extruded PE films manufacturer, and Micro Epsilon, masterbatch and additive producer.
New Masterbatch Developments at PACT
PACT presented new developments in UV masterbatches. These developments extend life of agricultural polyethylene (PE) films (such as greenhouse covers) by absorbing harmful UV rays and stabilizing films against UV degradation and chemical attack from pesticide and insecticide sprays.
Furthermore, PACT discussed successful test results of anti-fog and anti-static masterbatches. R&D specialists highlighted how these masterbatches provide higher optical clarity for PE films through dispersion of water droplets, as well as through transmission of electrical currents out of PE film sides. The latter anti-static property is crucial for electronics packaging, as well as for decreasing dust formation on plastic film surface.
The new properties improve PE film performance and along with unique processing methods, offer cost-efficiency by allowing INDEVCO Flexible Packaging (IFP) division plants to use masterbaches at lower percent concentrations when manufacturing agri-films and other plastic products.
Masterpak and Micro Epsilon will begin commercial trials and field validations with technical support of PACT and INDEVCO Flexible Packaging Business Development Office during the operational phase.
About PACT Presentation
Joe Nohra, IFP BDO Technical Manager, introduced the project, highlighting the duration and importance of the work and discussing potential cost savings to the group. Dr. Tino Fabbri and Dr. Sylvain Seif, INDEVCO Flexible Packaging Business Development Office R&D experts, presented novel blends, processing techniques and successful lab test results, as well as validations involved.
You may also read:
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About PACT
PACT, established in 2005, deals with polymer technology (plastics in particular) and blending for required properties. PACT researches plastic characteristics and conducts tests to manipulate polyethylene plastic in order to meet different packaging requirements. PACT’s objective is to help INDEVCO Flexible Packaging plants maintain leadership positions in the Middle Eastern plastic industry.
Masterpak and Micro Epsilon are members of INDEVCO Flexible Packaging division of the multinational INDEVCO Group.
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