Innovia Films ’ next generation of flexible, compostable film, NatureFlex was launched at the European Bioplastics Conference in Berlin.
The new film, NatureFlex NK, offers not only biodegradability and compostability, but also a moisture barrier approaching that of co-extruded OPP, which has been achieved through Innovia Films’ coating technology.
NatureFlex NK is a transparent, general purpose packaging grade suitable for various applications that include dried foods, such as biscuits, cereals, crisps and snack bars. The new product is also suitable for lamination to other biofilms. NatureFlex NK is available in 20, 23, 30, 45 micron thicknesses and can be used for a variety of pack formats – VFFS, flow wrap, twistwrap and overwrap.
Key Features of NatureFlex NK:
- Meets EN13432 and ASTM D6400 composting norms
- Based on renewable raw materials
- Excellent moisture and oxygen barrier
- Heat sealable on both sides
- Superb transparency and gloss
- Print receptive surface
According to Innovia Films’ Global Marketing Manager, compostable packaging materials used in applications where their inherent permeability was an advantage, excluded them technically from significant areas of the industry requiring excellent barrier. With NatureFlex NK, mainstream markets such as dried foods and snacks can be opened up. In addition, converters can use NatureFlex NK as a basis for delivering flexible ‘bio-solutions’, by associating it with compatible biofilms such as thermoplastic starches and copolyesters.
The first NatureFlex films (NP and NE families) were launched in January 2003 and were heralded as the most fundamental development in cellulose films for 40 years.
In 2006 the launch of two new grades NVS (semi-permeable flow-wrap film for chilled food applications) and NM (metallised film aimed primarily at twistwrapping applications) took place. In 2007 NVL and NVLW (clear and white films for label applications) were launched.
At Interpack 2008, Innovia Films launched a new grade of NatureFlex film, NVR. NatureFlex NVR has been specifically formulated to offer enhanced print and conversion receptivity, and has an intermediate moisture barrier with heat-sealability on both sides. Target applications for NVR include bakery, confectionery, pasta, pulses and rice.
NatureFlex films are produced from sustainable wood pulp harvested from managed plantations and are certified to both EU (EN13432) and US (ASTM D6400) composting standards.