Flex Films launches high barrier metallized polyester film

The company has identified how metallized polyester films are increasing in popularity for imparting high barrier properties to laminated flexible packaging structures. However, poor adhesion of metal with the base polyester film can result in laminate failure, thereby decreasing product performance.

With FlexmetProtect F-HMB, the base film is either untreated or corona treated on one surface, while metallization is carried out on the specially treated composite surface imparting metal adhesion or bond strength of >1200 gram-force/inch.

FlexmetProtect F-HMB has applications in liquid packaging, stand-up pouches, as a barrier layer in challenging applications like bag-in-box, chemical packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, hot fill applications up to 80 degrees C, among others. This film is available in 8-50 micron thickness.

Dr Steven J. Sargeant, general manager of technology at Flex Films (USA), explained: ‘The adhesion of metal on BOPET base film is the sum of chemical and mechanical adhesion. Our proprietary surface treatment on the base film allows increased levels of chelation or reaction with the metal being deposited, thereby resulting in a much better adhesion profile. The specialized surface treatment comprises materials with unique and enhanced properties thereby leading to much enhanced mechanical bonding. It took us almost 18 months to engineer this film.’

Vijay Yadav, business head at Flex Films (USA), noted: ‘The film offers class leading high adhesion to metal under most aggressive environmental conditions; demonstrates improved scuff, scratch and craze resistance thereby improving yields up to four percent and offering unparalleled robustness in processing and performance for converters; has an OTR of 0.6 cc/sqm/day at 23 degrees C and 0 percent RH and MVTR of 0.6 g/sqm/day at 38 degrees C and 90 percent RH offering high barrier properties thereby bringing new concepts to the market; complies with EU and FDA regulations for food grade applications and happens to be cost effective.’ 

Flex Films is the global film manufacturing arm of Uflex. All of the film manufacturing plants of Uflex, located in India, the UAE, Poland, Egypt, Mexico and the US, can supply FlexpetProtect F-HMB.

Anantshree Chaturvedi, vice chairman and CEO at Flex Films, said: ‘Flex Films is focusing on specialty substrates that add real value to the business of convertors and that of their customers by enhancing the quality and profile of the resultant packaging. Our expansion strategy hereafter will be niche product driven and not commodity driven. FlexmetProtect F-HMB is a technologically superior film with encouraging demand. If we talk about the US itself, the market for this specialized film is expected to be about 25 percent of the current metallized film market.’