Packaging Suppliers Unveil Spring Collections

A polyester/polyolefin laminate that can be processed on high-speed equipment and header bags with a range of novel properties are among recent product announcements from packaging suppliers.

The Integra Peel LCP polyester/polyolefin film laminate from Rexam Medical Packaging (Mundelein, IL) incorporates the firm's proprietary Core-Peel technology, a peelable system that is suitable for high-speed rotary and platen sealing equipment. Core-Peel products offer a wide operating range on packaging machines, and because the peel and seal functions are segregated into two layers, peel strength is independent of sealing conditions. Integra Peel LCP is designed to eliminate the curl-back effect that occurs with conventional film laminates. The films remain flat when the package is opened, thus preventing the nonsterile outer film surface from coming into contact with the product.

Combining header bag and foil lamination technology, Rexam has also developed a high-barrier peelable pouch suited for packaging moisture- and oxygen-sensitive devices that require EtO sterilization. Because it is porous, the Integra Pack Foil Header Pouch reduces EtO cycle times. After the package has been sterilized, the Tyvek header can be removed, sealing the product within the foil pouch that protects it from moisture, oxygen, and UV light.

For device-packaging applications where durability is an issue, the company has introduced a header bag based on coextruded blown films. Integra Pack Tuf 2000 combines the properties of various polymers including nylon resin technology, which provides impact strength and puncture resistance. A new coating enables a peelable Tyvek-to-film heat seal that can be processed at low temperatures and that promotes porosity and seal-transfer uniformity.

Adding to the spring bounty of packaging news, Oliver Products Co. (Grand Rapids, MI) has announced that it will begin supplying header bags to its customers. The products are manufactured using the company's proprietary DotCoat adhesive process, which enhances breathability.

"Porosity is of utmost importance in header bags," notes sales and marketing director Jeff Murak, "and by using the DotCoat process, we are able to offer our customers an uncoated Tyvek, which is almost unheard of." The product's porosity optimizes air and gas movement during sterilization and accelerates odor dissipation and degassing; consequently, the bags can be shipped shortly after treatment. They can be supplied in a range of films and gauges, and in sizes ranging from 4 to 36 in. long and 4 to 27 in. wide.

Norbert Sparrow