Films

One of the most common ways to produce films is by blown film extrusion where molten plastic is forced through a circular die and blown into a thin tube. As the film cools it is collapsed and wound onto a roll for further processing. Cast film is an alternative method to producing film where molten plastic is extruded through a flat die to a series of chilled rollers. Machine direction orientation (MDO) and Bi-axial orientation (BO) of films allows for improved mechanical and optical properties, further increasing the applications and performance window of flexible packaging.

Flexible packaging is often used to package food, beverages, consumer goods, electronics, health care and industrial products. For food applications, Ingenia offers highly effective antifogging agents that keep film clear of condensation, that would otherwise impact aesthetics and food quality. The aesthetics of flexible packaging can also be enhanced with the addition of Ingenia’s black, white and color masterbatches. To support the processing and performance of flexible packaging films we offer several additive solutions including UVs, antistatic, slip, antiblock, anticondensation, processing aids, matte compounds and purge compounds. Ingenia also offers sustainable products for film applications, which support the use of renewable content such as recycled resins and biopolymers.

Agricultural films encompass mulch, silage and greenhouse films. Ingenia offers white and black masterbatch with excellent weatherability to support product longevity. Specially designed UV masterbatches improve the stability and extend the service life of agricultural films. Greenhouse films can maintain high yields when antifogging agents are used to reduce condensation on the films. Ingenia’s non-PFAS polymer processing aids offer a solution to processing challenges like die lip buildup and melt fracture, that impacts the quality of agricultural films.

Geomembranes are produced using blown film and cast film processes and function as an impermeable barrier membrane for containment of liquids and even some gases. They are used in industries like mining for tailings ponds, waste management and environmental protection applications like linings for landfills. Ingenia offers black masterbatch specifically designed for geomembrane applications to withstand the harsh conditions and long service life. Ingenia offers additive solutions that improve the performance of geomembranes, reducing the overall cost to meet geomembrane specifications.

Plastic films are used in the industrial and construction industries for products like heavy duty bags and sacs, barriers for moisture control and weather proofing as well as ground covers and various wraps. To improve the outdoor service life of these products, Ingenia offers high performance UV solutions. Performance may be further supplemented by adding durable white or black masterbatches. For converters producing a variety of products, the use of shutdown and transition purges reduces downtime and scrap.