Borealis, a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions, is offering a step-up in performance and processing sustainability to the frozen food packaging sector with the launch of next generation transparent polypropylene (PP) grade Borpact™ SH950MO.
Based on Borealis Nucleation Technology (BNT), new Borpact SH950MO features a unique combination of transparency and good drop impact properties in low temperatures. Its performance is enhanced by higher flow (melt flow rate of 40) and better processability with improved stiffness (1050 MPa) compared to its predecessor Borpact™ SG930MO. The improved properties and better processing efficiency bring benefits and cost savings throughout the packaging value chain.
Developed primarily for packaging of deep freeze products such as ice cream, frozen desserts and other frozen food items, Borpact SH950MO is also an excellent choice for broader consumer packaging and housewares when the combination of good impact performance and transparency is a top priority. Brand owners can develop visually appealing articles which offer a clear view of the contents without the fear of damage or brittle breakages. Also due to the good organoleptics properties, the taste and odour of the packed product will not be altered. The additional benefits of high gloss and very low stress whitening also make Borpact SH950MO ideal for special closure designs.
The higher flowability of the new grade enables converters to use lower processing temperatures which, in combination with BNT, support energy and cycle time savings. For example in trials of one litre volume ice cream containers, it was possible to decrease the processing temperature by 20°C. A reduction of injection pressure was also observed during the trials. Borpact SH950MO’s improved formulation and higher stiffness leads to better demoulding properties, making processing easier and contributing to an overall more efficient production process.
One of the key aspects of the new Borpact SH950MO grade is the opportunity to benefit from its improved properties to downgauge material use. The high flowability and improved stiffness, both compared to the standard random PP grades, enable the use of thinner walls and more complex designs without compromising product properties or processing performance. “The introduction of Borpact SH950MO is an excellent example of Borealis’ Value Creation through Innovation strategy,” comments Rainer Höfling, Borealis Vice President Business Unit Moulding. “We have invested in creating a next generation grade with improved processability and end product performance that takes the lead in supporting the sustainability and differentiation requirements of the thin wall consumer packaging market.”
Borpact SH950MO as well as more Borealis innovations will be featured at the Thin Wall Packaging Conference from December 3-5, 2012 at the Maritim Hotel in Cologne, Germany.