Adhesives & Key Essentials for Laminating Biopolymer Films into Flexible Packaging
Presented by Dr. Eldridge M Mount III, Wayne Eklund, and Lowell Lindquist in partnership with H.B. Fuller, this half-day workshop will cover:
- Requirements of flexible polymer films and film combinations (co-extrusions and laminations) used to produce flexible packaging
- Various biopolymers commercially available today and the films which have been produced from them
- Impact of adhesive on package integrity
- Practical techniques to improve lamination quality including special requirements of sustainable films
AGENDA
| 1:00pm - 3:00pm |
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SESSION 1: Requirements for Sustainable Flexible Packaging Films
 Instructor:
Dr. Eldridge M Mount III
EMMOUNT Technologies LLC
Flexible packaging is generally produced by combining various films together to make a functional packaging product. This is necessary because there is no single polymer film which is capable of producing a fully functional packaging material, and therefore various polymer film combinations are often used to produce the desired product.
This class will focus on the requirements of flexible polymer films and film combinations (co-extrusions and laminations) used to produce flexible packaging. First the general requirements of flexible packaging will be reviewed so that a foundation of packaging needs is established. From this, a general Fitness for Use for flexible packaging can be developed for various packaging applications. Next, the discussion will focus on the various biopolymers which are commercially available today and the films which have been produced from them. These films will be reviewed in terms of their strengths and weaknesses as flexible packaging components. Finally, the discussion will focus on how to combine the various biopolymer films together or with other traditional films to produce new flexible packaging materials with improved sustainability. |
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| 3:00pm - 5:00pm |
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SESSION 2: Laminating with Sustainable Flexible Packaging Films
Instructors:
Creating packaging with sustainable films presents unique opportunities and challenges for film converters. As with any film, adhesive selection and process conditions are critical to success.
This class will cover practical techniques to improve lamination quality including special requirements of sustainable films. It will address typical adhesive technologies and differences in lamination processes used to create the final structures. The discussion will also cover the impact of adhesive on package integrity, and how process and environmental conditions impact adhesion development. |
Workshop Instructors
Dr. Eldridge M Mount III
EMMOUNT Technologies LLC
Dr. Mount is an independent consultant in the coextrusion, extrusion, film, metallization and film converting industries. He is a leader in the development of metalized films for barrier applications and film laminations. His expertise is in oriented and coextruded polymer film product and process design and research. The design and implementation of extrusion systems and coextrusion die specification and system specification including installation and start-up. He is also recognized for effective trouble shooting of cast, mono and biaxial orientated film and sheet coextrusion melt casting and pinning, and film surface treatment by corona, flame and plasma systems. EMMOUNT Technologies, LLC offers consulting and technical training in film orientation, barrier technologies, coextrusion and extrusion and also measures polymer melt viscosity with a capillary rheometer.
Eldridge has over 35 years industrial experience in the extrusion and orientation of polypropylene and polyester films at ExxonMobil Chemical and ICI Americas Film Divisions. He managed the intellectual property of Mobil Chemical Films Division and has courtroom experience as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to SPE ANTEC, AIMCAL and TAPPI conferences, he is a member of the SPE Extrusion Division Board of Directors, and a Fellow and Honored Service Member of SPE. Appointed AIMCAL Metalizing Consultant in 2001 and a past VP of the Society of Plastics Engineers. He has a Bachelors degree in Chemistry from West Chester University and a ME and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute.
Wayne Eklund
Research Chemist
H.B. Fuller
Wayne Eklund is a Research Chemist in the Flexible Packaging Group at H.B. Fuller. He has been with H.B. Fuller for over 22 years. In his tenure at H.B. Fuller, Wayne has developed various coatings for automotive and industrial use. In his current role, he is developing innovative adhesives for flexible packaging applications. He received his Bachelors of Science with a specialization in polymers from North Dakota State University. Organizational memberships include TAPPI.
Lowell Lindquist
Senior Technical Manager
H.B. Fuller
Lowell Lindquist is the Senior Technical Manager in the Flexible Packaging Group at H.B. Fuller. He has been with H.B. Fuller for over 23 years. During his tenure at H.B. Fuller, Lowell has worked in a variety of technical and engineering capacities in both the industrial coatings and flexible packaging markets. Lowell holds a BS in both Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.