Four new plastics technology studies from PIRA

New technology and killer applications for plastics in packaging

Almost everyday a new breakthrough is announced promising to be the killer application, able to deliver higher margins to flexible and rigid plastics packaging. From flexible cans and PET beer bottles to biodegradable polymers and edible films - the potential is immense. To help you get to grips with developments and unlock the potential of the latest technology, Pira has created four new technology studies. Order online and you'll save 5%....and get three for the price of two!

Developments in Barrier Films for Packaging
Consumers are demanding - insisting on fresh food in a convenient format, high-quality flavours, innovative products, added value and low cost. Brand owners, retailers, converters and material suppliers are feeling the squeeze. High-performance barrier packaging is one of the solutions. This study examines the materials used in barrier film packaging and the different demands across the supply chain. It analyses the latest technology developments, from edible films and nano advancement, to active barriers and ovenability. To give you a complete picture of activity in this area, the study then goes on examines the cost and technology drivers behind development, exploring current market size and key players.

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Biodegradability in Plastics Packaging
Retailers and brand owners are under pressure to deliver healthy, safe and environmentally friendly products. Being ‘green' is an image worth cultivating, providing potential marketing benefits in the minds of consumers. But users of biodegradable packaging still demand high performance - shelf impact, barrier properties, strength - and it is here that vital new technologies are being developed. This study examines the technologies involved in producing biodegradable packaging, assessing the pros and cons and which material to choose. It shows you the most significant launches, innovations and trials, as well as interpreting current market trends, and industry outlook.

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http://www.piranet.c...m&ProductId=350

Developments in Microwaveable Packaging
The growth of the convenience food market has placed stiff demands on microwaveable packaging. Brand owners and retailers have had to overcome key problems in the technology, such as food sogginess, as well as pushing forward development in susceptor technology - designed to ‘crisp' products. This new study focuses on packaging types, resins and materials, breaking the market down by sector. Crucial technology developments over the past year are analysed in detail, including advancement in venting, nanotechnology development, and post-cooking dissolvability. The study also examines key commercialisations by major players and assesses the current state of the market.

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http://www.piranet.c...m&ProductId=351

New Developments in PET for Packaging
Increasingly PET is the material of choice for brand owners, from rigid applications in beverage bottles, through to flexible lidding films and shrink sleeves. Key benefits include its supply chain performance, recyclability and lightweighting capability as well as a favourable cost/performance ratio. These characteristics make PET an attractive option, boosted further by the level and speed of technology advancement. This study takes you through PET material production technology, potential applications, commercialisations, sectors as well as barrier properties, active packaging enhancement, market growth and more.

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http://www.piranet.c...m&ProductId=352

Despite so many innovations, how many of them really make it to the commercial acceptance. Many of the product packagings that we see on the shelves of our stores today remain predominantly "old tech" given a "fresh design". Cost is a main issue.

Talking about innovations -what happened to RFID?

CHarles CHew