Nova Chemicals produced a new resin that increases the performance of water vapor transmission and improves the recyclability of food packaging

Nova Chemicals introduced a new High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) resin that offers a greater moisture barrier for flexible multilayer packaging and enables the development of more recyclable Polyethylene (PE) films.

Named Surpass HPs267-AB, the new HDPE resin is designed for blown film applications. Nova reports offering up to a 20% increase in water vapor transmission performance in multilayer coextruded films versus Nova’s best-in-class Surpass HPs167-AB resin.

Longer shelf life for food packaging

Thanks to the improved barrier against moisture, packages made with the new resin offer a longer shelf life for packaged foods.

“Due to its exceptional barrier performance, this product is ideal for meat and cheese, baking staples, cereals and crackers, pet foods, and high-fat products,” says Eric Vignola, Market Manager, Packaging. Food.

HDPE resin also provides a more recyclable option for processors supplying packaging to food companies. Converters can use HDPE HPs267-AB to replace non-recyclable metallized Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) laminate layers without sacrificing film stiffness while ensuring maximum heat resistance.

It should be noted that one of the main advantages of Polyethylene is that it is the only polymer that can be used to create flexible monomaterial (all PE) packaging for a wide range of food products, in addition to the fact that monomaterial films are easier to recycle mechanically

The new resin is currently available in commercial quantities, from case samples to wagon orders, from Nova Chemicals and through its distribution partners.