North Kingstown, Rhode Island - Toray Plastics (America), Inc., the only United States manufacturer of precision-performance polyester, polypropylene, and bio-based films, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its line of Torayfan TreaTear directional-tear polypropylene sealant films, introduced in 2010 for retort applications, to include Torayfan TreaTear LT52 and LT72  films for non-retort applications. Today CPGs and converters can manufacture attractive stand-up pouches that provide an effortless, precise straight-line tear across the package every time, as well as offer improved rigidity and clarity. In addition, TreaTear LT52 and LT72 polypropylene films perform as a drop-in sealant film for LDPE sealant web applications. The new films also enable flexibility with the overall lamination design, as well as compatibility with zippers, spouts, and other reclosable features. Available as thin as 30 microns (1.2 mil), TreaTear films offer yield advantages over the traditional 60- or 70-gauge sealant films and source reduction benefits without compromise to rigidity or tactile properties. In addition, the LT52 film's low haze provides four to five times better clarity than the traditional LDPE sealant films, making it ideal for window applications. The LT72 film's low seal initiation temperature (SIT) makes it suitable for pouches made with BOPP laminations. Applications for TreaTear LT52 and LT72 include meat, cheese, nuts, confectionery items, granola, cookies, and baking mixes.
 
"Stand-up pouch popularity continues to grow," says Chris Voght, Director of Strategic Alliances, Toray Plastics (America), Inc. "Expanding our directional-tear sealant film retort line to include non-retort pouches presents new opportunities for end users and converters," he says. "Now they have the freedom to choose a proven alternative to LDPE sealant films traditionally used in stand-up pouches, and they benefit from improved pouch performance, greater design flexibility, potentially better yields, and the associated sustainability advantages. Consumers are rewarded with reliable ease-of-use and reduced spillage, which can help build brand loyalty."
 
Voght explains that the new TreaTear films can replace LDPE sealant webs with little or no change to the line conditions. He adds that the films are designed to work with standard stand-up pouch zipper stock, making the transition from incumbent sealant films to the TreaTear sealant films an easy process for pouch manufacturers. The entire TreaTear line of non-retort and retort films can now be utilized for all types of pouch laminations.