A unique, metal-free film for high barrier packaging developed by Amcor was demonstrated at PackExpo. AmLite utilises Amcor’s extensive experience in high barrier coating and film extrusion to create a lightweight, transparent material with barrier levels approaching that of aluminium which offers excellent product protection, a strong seal and improved packaging appearance.
“Brand owners can now easily choose transparent packaging, even for sensitive products,” said Marco Hilty, VP marketing and R&D for Amcor Flexibles. “Packaging that shows the product inside increases consumer trust and the likelihood of purchase. For sensitive products however, this was typically not a practical option, and they were hidden behind aluminium-based or metallised packaging. AmLite gives packaging designers and marketing teams a cost competitive alternative.”
In addition to transparent, AmLite is also available with a white sealant layer, resulting in brighter printed colours by eliminating the grey background of metal-based materials.
“AmLite can offer a significant environmental benefit by reducing material use,” said Wojciech Skalbani global sales and marketing director technical products for Amcor Flexibles. In a lifecycle analysis, AmLite provided a 40% carbon footprint reduction and 21% weight reduction compared to standard Alu-based materials. “Additionally, it can help our customers ensure product safety by allowing the use metal detectors after packs are filled and sealed.”
AmLite can be used for a range of ambient wet and dry food products, as well as medical and personal care products like powders and lotions. Since the product offers excellent sealing properties, Amlite can be used to create a variety of pack formats, including regular, stand up and spouted pouches, as well as flow packs, sachets, and more.
Its performance on packing lines was demonstrated at PackExpo on Inever’s new MVC1200 machine, which was running the white version of AmLite. The MVC1200 machine from Inever is a new concept in VFFS4 side seal sachets offering speed, efficiency and quality. Available in 900 mm and 1200 mm film reel, it is suitable for high production output. The MVC introduces a new way to fill and seal, by combining a continuous technology and intermittent seal process, providing high quality seals at high speed. This technology allows the use of high quality films, (up to 100 micron thickness) and is able to produce up to 120 strokes/minute per lane (for example: 1,000 sachets/min 70 x1 20 mm, 50 ml).
The New MVC is tailored for filling liquids and pasty products at high speed, making it an ideal machine for dressings, sauces and the cosmetic industry.