Laminating adhesive speeds filling of flexible food packaging

The material reportedly offers ultra-fast curing and filling on food applications, even with challenging jobs such as barrier-to-barrier laminating. It is said to benefit food processing companies, packaging firms and converters by enabling faster laminating than with conventional, solvent-less adhesive systems, and maintaining shelf appeal.

Performance demands​

According to Joe Tuso, H.B. Fuller North America sales director, the adhesive can help meet client demands for speed, safety and performance.

“We are bringing new opportunities to converters for faster delivery times and, even more importantly, a critical benefit for their customers to more quickly fill flexible packages safely​,” he said.

The new Flextra Fast product is said to accommodate line speeds up to 1200 fpm (or 366 m per minute), with 800 fpm (244 m per minute) on barrier-to-barrier laminations. It also handles slits in as few as six hours.

Up to speed​

Packaging produced with the Flextra Fast adhesive reportedly is safe and ready for filling with food product just 24 hours after laminating. It can be used with PET/PE, OPA/PE and OPA/Alu high-barrier systems.

Companies interested in trying the new adhesive or any of the other Flextra formulations can put them to the test at the company’s St. Paul, MN facility. The firm’s Nordmeccanica Super Combi 3000 laminator can run trials of solvent-based, solvent-free and water-based laminating adhesives, offers primary and secondary in-line corona treatment, and it can produce cure-laminated rolls up to 52 in. (132 cm) wide.