DSM to showcase portfolio for Flexible Food Packaging at Chinaplas 2014

Royal DSM, the global life science and material science company, showcased their portfolio for flexible food packaging at Chinaplas 2014. DSM’s leadership in polyamide 6 (Akulon®) and thermoplastic copolyester for thin film (Arnitel®) for flexible food packaging is helping customers to provide better solutions to the world’s rapidly changing food packaging needs, meeting the demand for food safety and reduced food and packaging waste.

Li Xue Dai , Business Director DSM Engineering Plastics Greater China for DSM, says: “The continued growth in the global population, together with changes in lifestyles, has led to a rise in the demand for food and food packaging materials. Food waste caused by inadequate food preservation has aggravated this demand. So there is an increasing need for packaging solutions that keep food safer and extend the shelf life of food.

As a leader in material science, DSM has developed a portfolio of engineering plastic materials for packaging solutions including Akulon® polyamide 6 (PA6) for flexible barrier films and Arnitel® thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) for breathable films. These materials are highly suited for the production of packaging film for fresh foods, where they deliver benefits - reducing food waste, as well as improving food quality and convenience of use.

Akulon®: Extending shelf life

Applying its Bright Science, DSM is helping to extend the capability of Akulon polyamide 6 in flexible packaging film applications through the ongoing development of innovative sustainable material solutions. As well as providing optimum barrier protection against oxygen – making it especially appropriate for the packaging of freshly produced meat, fish and cheese - Akulon provides puncture resistance in co-extruded or laminated multi-layer film structures. These are key attributes in maintaining product freshness, ensuring greater protection during transit, and extending shelf life.

Akulon® XS: More Flexible Packaging Design

Biaxially oriented polyamide film (or BOPA) plays an important role in flexible food packaging, DSM Akulon® PA6 has been widely accepted in China’s BOPA market, and China’s major film manufacturers are DSM long-term customers. To solve the problem of excessive crystallization of traditional PA6 in multilayer barrier films, DSM developed Akulon® XS. This modified polyamide crystallizes up to six times more slowly than standard PA6, at a rate which is much closer than that of other materials used in the films. This feature can help improve the stability of the bubble in blown film production, reduce energy consumption, and increase yield. Films made of Akulon® XS have better stretching capability, and offer more flexibility in food packaging design.

Arnitel®: More Intelligent Flexible Packaging for Food

The food industry has long been concerned about how the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables can be prolonged. Thanks to its ability to provide a selectively breathable barrier in films, Arnitel® offers an excellent packaging solution. Packaging films made of Arnitel® can balance the levels of oxygen and CO2 in the package, and so keep perishable food fresh and safe for longer.

For cheese packaging, DSM launched Pack-Age™, which enables cheeses to ripen naturally while being wrapped in the film. The moisture-permeable film makes it possible for cheese to dry just as it does in the traditional ripening process. Meanwhile, by incorporating DSM’s Delvo®Cid natural food preservative, the packaging film can effectively prevent the growth of yeasts and molds.

Arnitel® Eco: A Sustainable Source of Material

Because DSM is passionate about playing a leading role in the change of a fossil fuel dependent economy to a more sustainable, bio-based one, the company introduced Arnitel Eco, a unique addition to the Arnitel family. The material is up to 50% made of renewable resources, using rapeseed oil instead of mineral oil Arnitel Eco’s has its first commercial application in the production of high-temperature ovenable pan liners. Pan liners are used in food preparation, cooking and holding, to prevent food from “baking-on” and “burning-on” to the pot or pan surface. The main driver is the material’s wide temperature resistance. Especially for food contact applications, Arnitel Eco offers an important feature: food does not stick to it. This gives a higher yield and quality of the food presented.

Li Xuedai says: “Meeting consumer demand around the world is our mission. DSM understands the needs of the market and will continue to apply its Bright Science to find the most sustainable and commercially viable solutions for customers in China and the world. Working in partnership with the industry, we will provide customers with functional materials that can reduce the footprint, lower food waste, enhance food safety, and offer cost advantages; Bright Science for a Brighter Living.”

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Notes for editors

DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living.™

Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM’s 24,500 employees deliver annual net sales of around €10 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

DSM began trading with China in 1963 and established its first China sales office and first manufacturing facility in early 1990s. The company currently has 42 affiliates in China including 25 manufacturing sites and employs about 3,400 people. DSM China regional headquarters and China Science and Technology Center is located in Shanghai. DSM’s business is growing healthily and steadily in China with revenue of more than USD1.7 billion in 2013. For further information, please visit www.dsm.com.cn.