Designed for the food packaging and industrial markets primarily in Asia, the solvent-free adhesives contain no volatile organic compound (VOC) to deliver more sustainability to end-users
Toyo-Morton has launched its new ECOAD line of polyurethane solvent-free laminating adhesive systems. (Credit: Igor Ovsyannykov from Pixabay)
Japan-based laminating adhesives maker Toyo-Morton has launched its new ECOAD line of polyurethane solvent-free laminating adhesive systems.
Designed for the food packaging and industrial markets primarily in Asia, the solvent-free adhesives contain no volatile organic compound (VOC) to deliver more sustainability to end-users.
ECOAD adhesive solutions have made it possible to continuously laminate metalised packaging structures with two or three layers while maintaining integrity and a smooth look.
Additionally, the new range does not require dilution with an organic solvent prior to laminating, providing considerable environmental benefits to end-users.
Toyo-Morton engineering team leader Yusei Uchiyama said: “While solvent-free adhesives are popular in Europe and the Americas, they represent only 5 to 10% of all laminating adhesives used in Japan.
“In general, solvent-free systems are not considered suitable for the continuous processing of multilayer films, as they tend to form bubbles or warp in the laminates.
“Addressing the bubble problem, Toyo-Morton engineers worked to establish a new methodology for adhesive layer rheology analysis that enabled them to identify the factors that cause tunnelling in metallised laminates.
“These findings led to the development of adhesives with enhanced physical properties, like the high heat and chemical resistance and laminate durability needed to bring about optimal adhesion without impacting the packaging material.”
The ECOAD solvent-free series includes the base adhesive EA-N6008 and a hardener, either EA-N5618 or EA-N5633 with high resistance to high acidic content.
The EA-N6008/EA-N5618 solution provides improved heat resistance and durability for zipper bags as well as improved performance in continuous lamination shows.
The treatment gives aluminium vapour deposited laminates like PET/VMPET and PET/VMCPP a smooth appearance, making them suitable for use in shampoo refill pouches and food packaging for dried and boiled items.
The EA-N6008 / EA-N5633 solution is specially made for solely aluminium packaging structures, like single-serve sachets for ketchup and chilli sauce.
In June this year, the company introduced its new series of laminating adhesives that are free of epoxy silanes and organic tin compounds.