DSM to expand production capacity for Akulon XS in 2016
The expansion will meet demand for Akulon XS, a polyamide developed specifically for blown films used in flexible food packaging.
“Demand for barrier films for flexible food packaging continues to rise in response to the growing need to reduce food waste and for longer food shelf-life,” said Danilo Fioravante, global business director, Akulon, Novamid, EcoPaXX, DSM.
“This latest expansion in Akulon XS helps to address these demands and underpins our commitment to developing sustainable solutions for industry and society."
The barrier properties and mechanical strength of conventional PA6 are used for flexible films in food packaging, but, its high crystallization speed can be restrictive.
Processors have to either compromise on productivity, or blend with amorphous polyamides or polyamide copolymers, reducing cost efficiency and properties.
Akulon XS from DSM resolves the issue as it crystallizes more slowly than conventional PA6 giving processors improved performance and productivity gains without the need for expensive blending.
This makes it easier and more cost effective for processors to make blown films for flexible food packaging while retaining the barrier and mechanical properties of polyamide 6.
