Solventless Laminating Adhesive Captures 2019 AIMCAL Technology Of The Year
February 28, 2019
The Assn. of International Metallizers, Coaters and
Laminators (AIMCAL) presented its 2019 Technology of the Year Award tonight at
an Awards Ceremony on the opening day of its Annual Meeting (Feb. 26-28, 2019)
at the Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, CA.
The 2019 AIMCAL Technology of the Year Award
goes to PacAcel™ adhesive, a solventless, food-grade, sustainable adhesive
family from The Dow Chemical Co., (Lake Jackson, TX). Benefits of the patented
and patent-pending polyurethane-based, two-part formulas include excellent
metallized film/foil adhesion, excellent heat and product resistance, fast
room-temperature curing, elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
oven drying for improved energy efficiency, long pot life for easy cleaning and
compatibility with high line speeds. The adhesive strongly adheres to most
flexible packaging substrates. Potential applications include flexible
packaging for fresh food, dry food, coffee, ready meals, hot-fill liquids,
aggressive alcohol-, acid- or oil-containing foods, pharmaceuticals and medical
and industrial products. Eliminating solvent allows converters to improve production
efficiency by more than 50%, reduce cost-in-use and meet strict global food
regulatory requirements.
The judging panel was impressed with the ability
of a solvent-free chemistry to deliver performance equivalent or better than
traditional solvent-based adhesives. Solvent-free chemistry not only eliminates
VOC emissions but also the drying step and the heat, energy and cost associated
with drying. The entry also scored sustainability points since it eliminates
the need to dispose of solvent. “This will impact the next generation of
laminators,” summed up one judge.
