Packaging
New PVC-free compound for lug-type twist caps
Tuesday 29. April 2008 - TPE to replace PVC
Commission Directive 2007/19/EC, the fourth amendment to “Plastics Directive” 2002/72/EC comes into effect shortly and no longer allows the use of certain phthalates as plasticisers in PVC-based closure seals that come into contact with food. One reason for this is the widening of the scope of the Plastics Directive to cover metal twist-off caps. The retailers, fillers and manufacturers of metal twist-off caps are desperately looking for alternative sealants.
At this years interpack (24-30 April 2008 in Düsseldorf) ACTEGA DS GmbH is presenting a sealing compound with a formulation free both of plasticisers and PVC. In anticipation of the need of food producers for reliable product-specific closures complying with the new legislation, the closure-sealant specialist has developed a solution based on thermoplastic elastomers.
With its new product, PROVALIN 1241, ACTEGA DS is offering a sealing compound that can be used with a broad range of lug-type twist-off caps (from 23 to 82 mm diameter). The new products key features are:
constituents that conform to current legislation and that due to come into
force shortly (Plastics Directive)
the new material is aimed at ensuring that migration limits are also adhered
to at the end of the shelf-life of oily foods
pasteurisable
optimised opening torques of the closures
reliable vacuum
good resealability.
The new development from ACTEGA DS is based on the desire of closure
manufacturers, fillers and brand owners for compounds or sealants that are free of
PVC. The aim was to develop an equivalent material with the necessary properties
of good processability, pasteurisability and reliability with respect to highly
demanding contents. PROVALIN 1241 should also ensure compliance with valid
migration limits for products with longer shelf-lives, for example oily foods (such as
antipasti). The need for a reliable vacuum until the closure is first opened and userfriendly
resealability were additional challenges faced during the development of
the new material. In a series of specific tests PROVALIN 1241 has proven that it
is possible to achieve all of the required sealant properties by entirely using
thermoplastic elastomers.
The introduction of the directive amending the Plastics Directive and the
requirements relating to packaging and packaging materials in direct contact with
food, with defined migration limits, is expected to lead to numerous changes in
long-established types of packaging. ACTEGA DS has anticipated the future
legislative framework with various developments and will be presenting a package
of innovative solutions at interpack.
ACTEGA DS is taking the opportunity offered by its participation at interpack, to discuss with clients and prospective clients further developments relating to compounds and sealants, their processing and fields of application, as well as specific application details.