Eastman experts unlock potential of metallised film-free

The webinar saw a record number of delegates register for the session. The audience posed 27 questions that were addressed by the Eastman tech-team like Vikram Mane, Pritesh Martins, Wu Juan Juan and Zhang Eric.

During his presentation, Vikram Mane said, “Eastman’s innovative cellulose-ester technology features film-free transfer metallised packaging that can help accelerate the transformation to a better, more recyclable and sustainable packaging solution.” Mane added, “This alternative is lightweight, recyclable packaging with holographic metallic effects that can be directly repulped to make new paper. It also reduces the total weight of packaging by 10%, providing better value on transport.”

Eastman uses transfer metallised paper (TMP) as an alternative. The TMP structure contains four layers namely - paper, adhesive, aluminium layer and then a release coating. The release coating is transparent, and sometimes holographic, which provides surface protection.

Pritesh Martins said, “Eastman's solus-based transfer metallised technology has certified recyclability that implies no compromise on luxurious metallised packaging, while eliminating plastic laminated paperboard. It has a high shelf-appeal and no compromise on aesthetics.”

Some benefits of Solus-based TMP are: Improved recyclability; and compared to lamination paper, CE-TMP reduces 20 GSM by eliminating plastic film. The GSM can be further reduced by replacing regular paper with a high bulking paper to reach additional 10 to 15% weight reduction.

Showing a video demonstration, Martins demonstrated how transfer metallised paper (TMP) is certified by PMV as recyclable and can be placed into the regular recycle stream. In Solus-based TMP production, BOPET film can be used three to five times to significantly reduce the consumption of petroleum-based plastic film and carbon emission.

During the Q&A session, Zhang Eric said, “Compared to BOPET laminated paper, Solus-based TMP demonstrates better paper flatness, which results in a noticeable improvement in the final packaging. With the film-free structure of Solus, the difference of moisture absorption of the two sides is reduced, which mitigates the impact of humidity variation and results in better paper flatness.”

Responding to a question from an industry stalwart during the Q&A session, Wu Juan Juan said, “Eastman holds both FSC (licence code FSC-C140711) and PEFC Chain of Custody certification, ensuring the traceability of the wood pulp sourced to make Eastman cellulose esters.” She added, “The production process of cellulose esters results in a product portfolio of biomass, with approximate new carbon calculations, ranging from 45-60% for TMP release coating application.”

The webinar was part of the PrintWeek and WhatPackaging? knowledge series. As Sudhanva Jategaonkar, B2B - business head, said, “​Our webinar is a great opportunity for business principals and senior production staff to discover how they can use technology to bring out hidden opportunities to streamline operations and maximise their profits.”

The recording of the webinar will be shared with the delegates who attended the session. The questions (answered and even those which were unanswered) will be published as a tech-report.

It will be available on demand to people who register with kalpesh.shah@haymarketsac.com