The Science and Technology of Flexible Packaging: Multilayer Films from Resin and Process to End Use, Second Edition provides a comprehensive guide on plastic films in flexible packaging, covering scientific principles, materials properties, processes and end use considerations. Sections discuss the science of multilayer films in a concise and impactful way, presenting the fundamental understanding required to improve product design, material selection and processes. In addition, the book includes information on why one material is favored over another and how film or coating affects material properties. Descriptions and analysis of key properties of packaging films are provided from engineering and scientific perspectives. With essential scientific insights, best practice techniques, environmental sustainability information and key principles of structure design, this book provides information aids in material selection and processing, how to shorten development times and deliver stronger products, and ways to enable engineers and scientists to deliver superior products with reduced development time and cost. - Provides essential information on all aspects of multilayer films in flexible packaging, including processing, properties, materials and end use - Bridges the gap between scientific principles and practical challenges - Includes explanations to assist practitioners in overcoming challenges - Enables the reader to address new challenges, such as design for sustainability and eCommerce

Efficiently and profitably delivering quality flexible packaging to the marketplace requires designing and manufacturing products that are both "fit-to-use" and "fit-to-make". The engineering function in a flexible packaging enterprise must attend to these dual design challenges. Flexible Packaging discusses the basic processes used to manufacture flexible packaging products, including rotogravure printing, flexographic printing, adhesive lamination, extrusion lamination/coating; and finishing/slitting. These processes are then related to the machines used to practice them, emphasising the basics of machines’ control systems , and options to minimize wasted time and materials between production jobs. Raw materials are also considered, including the three basic forms: Rollstock (paper, foil, plastic films); Resin; and Wets (inks, varnishes, primers). Guidance is provided on both material selection, and on adding value through enhancement or modification of the materials’ physical features. A ‘measures’ section covers both primary material features – such as tensile, elongation, modulus and elastic and plastic regions – and secondary quality characteristics such as seal and bond strengths, coefficient of friction, oxygen barrier and moisture vapour barrier. Helps engineers improve existing raw material selection and manufacturing processes for manufacturing functional flexible packaging materials. Covers all aspects of delivering high value packaging to the customer – from the raw materials, to the methods of processing them, the machines used to do it, and the measures required to gauge the characteristics of the product. Helps engineers to minimize waste and unproductive time in production.

Multilayer Flexible Packaging, Second Edition, provides a thorough introduction to the manufacturing and applications of flexible plastic films, covering materials, hardware and processes, and multilayer film designs and applications. The book gives engineers and technicians a better understanding of the capability and limitations of multilayer flexible films and how to use them to make effective packaging. It includes contributions from world renowned experts and is fully updated to reflect the rapid advances made in the field since 2009, also including an entirely new chapter on the use of bio-based polymers in flexible packaging. The result is a practical, but detailed reference for polymeric flexible packaging professionals, including product developers, process engineers, and technical service representatives. The materials coverage includes detailed sections on polyethylene, polypropylene, and additives. The dies used to produce multilayer films are explored in the hardware section, and the process engineering of film manufacture is explained, with a particular focus on meeting specifications and targets. In addition, a new chapter has been added on regulations for food packaging – including both FDA and EU regulations. - Provides a complete introduction to multilayer flexible packaging, assisting plastics practitioners with the development, design, and manufacture of flexible packaging for food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and more - Presents thorough, well-written, and up-to-date reviews of the current technology by experts in the field, making this an essential reference for any engineer or manager - Includes discussion and analysis of the latest rules and regulations governing food packaging

Plastic materials continue to play a vital and growing role in packaging applications. It is thus more important than ever that all involved in the packaging industry command a basic understanding of the properties of the common packaging plastics. This highly regarded book provides just that to students and packaging professionals alike: material properties and how they relate to the chemical structure of the polymers, common processing methods for packaging applications, help with writing specifications, designing, fabricating, testing, and controlling the quality of the plastic material are covered comprehensively. The fourth edition has major revisions in discussions of sustainability, recycling, and design for sustainability. Coverage of biodegradable and biobased plastics is also increased. Discussion of coatings is also expanded. Further updates and enhancements throughout ensure Plastics Packaging remains an indispensable resource for both the packaging expert and the novice.

The die-cutting and tooling process is among the most critical areas of label converting and finishing. The sophisticated technology it uses enables the production of quality die-cut and converted labels and their application to multiple surfaces, using a wide variety of substrates, on many different presses. With a better understanding of this often overlooked discipline, you can improve production standards and significantly reduce costly downtime due to pressure-sensitive quality faults. This book explains the complex and vital role die-cutting and tooling plays. Through a series of detailed explanations, photographs, diagrams and charts, the author provides a detailed look at modern tooling technology - how the tools are manufactured, their use and applications, how they should be handled and stored. It includes a section on troubleshooting on the production line and a glossary of terms to ensure any unknown phrases are quickly understood within context. Label converters, industry suppliers and label buyers and all other professionals involved in label converting and finishing will find this book a valuable reference source that helps them run a more profitable business. Chapters include: The label printing and converting process Die-cutting of label webs to shape and size Optimizing the die-cutting process Special tooling for cutting, perforating, hole punching and slitting The nature, use and manufacture of embossing dies and cylinders The hot foiling process and the use and manufacture of foiling dies Cylinders, anvils, support rollers and magnetic cylinders Ancillary equipment for setting, measuring, testing, monitoring and adjusting tooling Inspecting, cleaning, handling, storage and safety considerations A guide to troubleshooting when using label dies and related tooling Glossary of die-cutting and tooling terminology

Now in a fully revised and updated second edition, this volume provides a contemporary overview of food processing/packaging technologies. It acquaints the reader with food preservation processes, shelf life and logistical considerations, as well as packaging materials, machines and processes necessary for a wide range of packaging presentations. The new edition addresses environmental and sustainability concerns, and also examines applications of emerging technologies such as RFID and nanotechnology. It is directed at packaging technologists, those involved in the design and development of packaging, users of packaging in food companies and those who specify or purchase packaging. Key Features: An up-to-date and comprehensive handbook on the most important sector of packaging technology Links methods of food preservation to the packaging requirements of the common types of food and the available food packages Covers all the key packaging materials - glass, plastics and paperboard Fully revised second edition now covers sustainability, nanotechnology and RFID