Multilayer Flexible Packaging

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 morePresents 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

Part I: Introduction 1. Introduction

Part II: Resins 2. Polyethylene 3. Polypropylene 4. Introduction to Bio-Based Polymers  the Performance of Multilayer Flexible Packaging 6. Rheology of Molten Polymers

Part III: Technologies 7. Coextrusion Equipment for Multilayer Flat Films and Sheets 8. Multilayer Blown (Tubular) Film Dies 9. Process Engineering 10. Blown Film, Cast Film, and Lamination Processes 11. Machine Direction–Oriented Film Technology 12. Oriented Film Technology 13. Polymer Blending for Packaging Applications 14. Water- and Solvent-Based Coating Technology 15. Vacuum Metallizing for Flexible Packaging 16. Web Handling and Winding

Part IV: Multilayer Films – Descriptions, Performance Characteristics, Uses, Considerations, Properties 17. PE-Based Multilayer Film Structures 18. Multilayer-Oriented Films 19. Regulatory Aspects of Food Packaging—A Global Matter