Rollprint Packaging Products Inc. has introduced Exponent™ film, which represents a collaboration between Ineos’ Barex® and Rollprint’s own ClearFoil®.The material targets pharmaceutical and other chemically sensitive applications that require exceptional barrier and clarity.
ClearFoil, a barrier-coated polyester, is extrusion- or adhesive-laminated to Barex acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer to create Exponent. The first commercialized package types are expected to be premade for inline pouching, lidding, and flow wrap applications.
When compared to traditional foil-based, high-barrier structures, Exponent’s reduced number of layers and gauge offer cost savings and create an improved environmental profile for a variety of pharmaceutical products, according to the vendor.The structure’s clarity and high-barrier properties also make it a suitable replacement for glass vials where cost and breakage continue to challenge manufacturers.
In development for two years, Exponent has been engineered to provide a chemically neutral, ultra-high oxygen and water vapor barrier with chemical resistance. Oxygen barrier levels are available as low as 0.0008 cc/100in²/24 hrs, and water vapor barrier properties are available down to 0.0008 g/100in²/24 hrs.
According to the vendor, Barex resins provide a unique combination of superior chemical resistance with exceptional oxygen barrier properties, proven to be equivalent to glass in a range of aggressive applications. Barex is also known for its use in transdermal patch laminates for nicotine, chronic pain relief medication, hormones, and other applications.
The transdermal patch, e-cigarette, and diagnostics markets are the first application opportunities Rollprint envisions for this technology. Exponent is also an excellent candidate for single-dose delivery systems and cosmetic applications because of its high surface-to-volume ratio and unique barrier properties.
