Film Lamination Adhesive (Flexible Packaging)
Due to numerous economic, processing and safety issues, an increasing number of flexible packaging convertors are seeking to either replace or compliment their existing solvent and solvent free products with water-based adhesives. Scitech's new high performance Water-Based products can serve as bespoke customer specific solutions to this ever growing demand. We have a passion for solving technical problems and with our vast experience in the bonding of complex and demanding substrates we welcome any new opportunities that come our way.
New Product Areas
- Compostable Adhesives - We have worked with multinational film and ink manufacturers to formulate compostable laminating adhesives for which we have received SMART innovation awards. Our development work has been greatly aided through our technical relationship with Bangor University; a UK centre of excellence in this field, as well as Innovia Films; a leading global producer of speciality high performance Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) and Cellulose films for packaging and labels. Other key partners include Sun Chemical; who are developing compostable and hybrid inks. In a market that has experienced an ever increasing demand for ‘green’ and sustainable adhesives, Scitech is perfectly placed to develop new, innovative products that serve as high performance environmentally friendly solutions.
- Transfer Metallization - This is an area of increasing interest as it reduces the need for the polyester film which not only saves cost but also wear and tear on the blades of carton cutting/stamping machines. We have produced an adhesive that enables direct transfer at high speeds.
- Heat sealable adhesives & coatings - We manufacture heat sealable adhesives for demanding applications such as compostable food pouches as well as products offering water and high temperature resistance.
- Adhesives with enhanced barrier properties
- Microwaveable products
Past limitations with Water-Based
- Our machine can't dry water.
- It will not work for more complex film to film laminations.
- The machine speeds will be lower
Why laminate with Water-Based?
- New high performance water-based technology can laminate film to film / film to foil / foil to paper.
- Runs on existing dry laminators with very simple modifications.
- Greater potential cost savings over solvent and solvent-free technology.
- Faster processing and speed to market - No work in progress (WIP).
- Excellent clarity offering improved gloss of laminate.
- Improved user friendliness - no viscosity adjustments needed and easy to mix.
- No VOC's (volatile organic compounds) or dangerous goods issues.
- Safer, improved regulatory compliance, such as with The Miggressives Project.
- Odour free laminates
Advantages over Solvent-Free adhesives
- Runs on existing dry laminators - new machine not required.
- No long post lamination curing - water-based offers an in line production process allowing instant slitting, saving customers time and money.
- Metallized jobs can be run without needing to slow the machine speed down.
- Ideal for Film/Paper - soap wrappers
- No Primary Aromatic Amines (PAA's).
Advantages over Solvent-Based adhesives
- Greater cost effectiveness.
- Lower coat weights applied
- Dry adhesive cost is lower
- In line process allows for instant slitting & cure.
- Odour free laminate - no solvents.
- No need to dilute for machine runs.
- Avoids the need to control viscosity during production.
What your dry laminator will need
- Suitable gravure &/or transfer roller application method.
- Suitable drying tunnel.
- Temperature controlled nip roller.
- Tank for adhesive recirculation.
Drying Tunnel
- Water-based adhesive particle properties mean drying is easier and safer.
- White when wet, clear when dry.
- Longer tunnels with zoned systems are most suitable but not necessary.
- Good air volumes & air velocity is advantageous.
- Positive air exhaust volumes
- No recirculation of exhausted air between zones.
- Simple tests can be carried out to determine the efficiency of the drying tunnel.
Our Offering
We know that one size does not fit all and pay great attention to the customer's machine and overall application in order to ensure the product we offer is both unique and bespoke to fit the requirements. We have extensive experience when it comes to flexible packaging and are passionate about working closely with our customers and to provide a product that delivers optimum performance.
If you are interested in utilising the benefits water-based adhesives can offer please get in touch and we will be happy to help.