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.
DSM’s leadership in polyamide 6 thin film and speciality packaging technologies helps everyone in the value chain – from brand owners to food processers and film formulation companies – to provide better solutions to the world’s rapidly changing food packaging needs, meeting the demand for reduced food and packaging waste.
It is based on a unique combination of factors: our leadership in performance materials, combined with extensive experience in the food industries, coupled with a fast, flexible approach – and of course a sound knowledge of the packaging industry itself.
Low oligomer polyamide for flexible packaging
Bi-axial oriented polyamide (BOPA) film is often used for flexible packaging as it provides excellent protection against deterioration. However, the production of BOPA film using conventional methods leads to high levels of lactams, which form a fine, white powder that adheres to surfaces and is easily transported through the air.
DSM has developed a better polyamide material that can reduce lactams. DSM’s low oligomer polyamide (LOPA) resin was developed in 2009 and launched in 2010, and has received excellent feedback from the industry. LOPA enables customers to:
- Improve air quality by lowering the amount of lactam powder released
- Save time and money by reducing the need to clean equipment
- Extend production cycles by reducing extrusion die vapouring
Nano-multilayer barrier film for food packaging
Barrier films prevent oxygen and water vapour permeation and are used in food packaging to ensure long shelf life. Multi-layer films utilise many different materials with specific properties to provide a precisely engineered barrier solution that can protect against water vapour, oxygen or even ultraviolet light.
DSM and DEXPlastomers, in collaboration with Windmöller and Hölscher, have developed a new concept in multi-layer barrier packaging that can provide synergistic properties that go beyond the individual layers.
The sandwich structure features 16 layers ranging from 1μm to 25μm, each with a specific function. This nano-layer construction is made possible due to the exceptional quality and purity of each component material, and is produced on a specialised FILMEX cast film line from Windmöller and Hölscher.
Smokable sausage casings
The casings used to produce smoked sausage must be permeable so that smoke can reach the food to impart flavour and colour. Cellulose is often used but rising prices and environmental concerns mean that a better alternative is needed. DSM has risen to the challenge with the development of smokable sausage casings that combine Arnitel® vapour transmission (VT) thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with Akulon® PA6 resin to create a new, patented solution.
The addition of Arnitel VT TPE increases the permeability of Akulon significantly while also providing a highly protective barrier against oxygen and other contaminants for safety and increased shelf life.
Thermoplastic copolyester for eco-friendly pan liners
DSM’s Arnitel Eco material is a partly bio-based thermoplastic copolyester (TPC). Arnitel copolyester elastomers combine the strength and processing characteristics of engineering plastics with the performance of thermoset elastomers.
Recently, M&Q Packaging Corporation selected Arnitel Eco for the production of PanSaver ECO® ovenable pan liners, which are used in food preparation, cooking and holding, to prevent food from ‘baking-on’ and ‘burning-on’ to the pan surface.
Arnitel Eco, derived from renewable resources, is designed to last under extreme conditions, making it highly suited for food related applications, as well as for use in various other industries.
About DSM
Royal DSM is a global company active in the health, nutrition and materials industries. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials.
DSM’s 22,000 employees deliver annual net sales of about €9bn.