Introduction

The Packaging industry covers 40% of all plastics used, including rigid packaging (PP, HDPE, PET, PS via injection/blow molding, roto-molding) and flexible packaging (BOPP, LL/LDPE, PA films via co-extruded technologies in stretched/oriented films, blown or cast films). Increasingly, packaging materials have to be fully recyclable to meet the demands for sustainability and of a circular economy. Additionally, down-gauging in thickness, fast sealability, surface treatments for easy printing and recyclability are the key success factors for modern packaging materials. Industrial packagings requires LS protection for several years to deliver the requested durability. Some food-packaging solutions need UV absorbance to improve the shelf life and ensure the organoleptic properties of packaged foods.

Recommendation

UniteChem LS 783 is the most utilized solution in many PE packaging applications, and UniteChem LS 944 is recommended for food or industrial applications. UV absorbers with food contact approvals such as UniteChem UV 326 are frequently used in PP and PE, whereas UniteChem UV 234 is recommended for PET and PC food packaging in order to reduce the penetration of UV rays into the food. Synergistic combinations of HALS and UV Absorbers are usually the state-of-the art in packaging, including UniteChem LS 783 together with UV 326, or LS 944 together with UV 234 to assure optimum protection at low loadings and competitive costs. UniteChem AO blends of AO 1010 and AO 168 such as B215 support the recyclability of packaging while maintaining viscosity/MFR properties to enable longer lifetimes.