Midland, Michigan – A new resin compatibilizer from Dow is giving millions of pounds of barrier film scrap a second chance at life. At PACK EXPO International Chicago, November 2 – 5, 2014, Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics will debut RETAIN™ Polymer Modifiers, a portfolio of compatibilizers that make it easier to recycle post-industrial barrier films without compromising performance or aesthetics.
Based on a reactive ultra-low viscosity, RETAIN Polymer Modifiers allow pelletized barrier films, containing materials like ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or polyamide (PA), to be more evenly dispersed into a polyolefin matrix. Compared to other control films, the technology is helping make packages clearer, maintain mechanical properties and significantly reduce gels in films produced from barrier film recycle streams.
“RETAIN Polymer Modifiers help take plastic packaging to the next level, supporting converters’ landfill waste goals,” said Ritika Kalia, market manager for Food and Specialty Packaging, Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics. “The technology also enables the use of ‘post-industrial recycled content’ claims, and helps trim down costs associated with collecting, packaging and selling scrap materials.”
The technology has benefits beyond the sustainability realm too. After many vigorous trials, RETAIN Polymer Modifiers demonstrated impressive optical and physical properties, and improved processability. The product portfolio also:
Uses the advanced chemistry developed for Dow’s AMPLIFY™ TY Functional Polymers
Achieves the same clarity as a control film
Maintains or increases dart values
Delivers the option to replace a portion of PE purchases with in-process barrier film trim
Makes better use of existing recycling streams
For more information about RETAIN™ Polymer Modifiers, AMPLIFY TY tie layers and plastic packaging technologies, please visit http://www.dowpackaging.com/, or follow the business on Twitter at @DowPackaging. Dow experts will also be available to discuss Dow’s entire packaging portfolio at PACK EXPO International Chicago.
About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company is driving innovations that extract value from the intersection of chemical, physical and biological sciences to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, clean energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s integrated, market-driven, industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 180 countries and in high growth sectors such as packaging, electronics, water, coatings and agriculture. In 2013, Dow had annual sales of more than $57 billion and employed approximately 53,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 6,000 products are manufactured at 201 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.
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