Laminated Blown Film

Borstar® LLDPE is a polyethylene (PE)  material grade that is well-suited for lamination. This laminated blown film combines multi-material structures with other plastic or non-plastic substrates. The great advantage of multi-layer film structures is that they synergistically combine the properties of different components in order to optimise packaging performance, functionality and cost.

Laminates are primarily used for stand-up pouches, vacuum-formed packages and other types of packaging. Typical products packaged in laminated films are:

• coffee,
• milk,
• fruit juice,
• cheese or meat slices,
• shampoo pouches or other toiletries,
• pharmaceutical products.

Requirements to effectively produce laminated structures 

Laminated structures depend heavily on excellent sealing properties to ensure package integrity and high throughput on packaging lines. They also require good mechanical properties, as well as low gel, migration and taste/odour levels.

In order to aid in smooth converting and packaging operations, laminated structures also rely on an appropriate and consistent coefficient of friction (COF). Further requirements include:

• regularity during reel winding,
• perfect surface for printing,
• fulfill food packaging regulations or healthcare requirements,
• high barrier properties resulting in long shelf life of packed products,
• optical properties and puncture resistance may also be of importance, but not in all cases.

Rising to the challenge of laminted blown film applications

Borealis offers a range of products that are ideal for lamination. Our Borstar® LLDPE offers converters a range of benefits for blown film applications.

Borstar® LLDPE provides a broad sealing window. This makes it possible to safely seal the package over a wide temperature range thus improving package integrity. The material also emits low gel levels resulting in excellent film appearance and its low and consistent surface friction means there is no need for slip agents (slip agents can disrupt the gluing process).

Due to Borstar LLDPE's high ESCR, greater package integrity is achieved which is particularly important when the film must withstand aggressive liquids. Additional benefits of Borstar LLDPE are:

• Excellent processability as fewer bubble breaks during extrusion and a uniform thickness distribution provide more consistency and better printability;
• Rough surface making it easier to polarise for printing and gluing than other PE material;
• Low migration and additive level which makes it compliant with regulations on food packaging;
• No need for PPA to avoid melt fracture.