Optimization of gas permeability of thermoformed packaging through improved insight in material, process and design

Abstract

In this report, we have summarized the research strategy and the results from the TETRA project OptiThe_Ox2, which was conducted by Hasselt University in collaboration with 12 companies active in the Belgian and Dutch packaging and food industry (2013-2015). The OptiThe_Ox2 project “Optimization of gas permeability of thermoformed packaging through improved insight in material, process and design” was supported by grants from the Agency of Innovation by Science and Technology (IWT). I would like to thank all the participating companies and Pack4FOOD for their contribution and constructive cooperation. I also thank the companies that supplied the test materials (ANL Plastics, Ter Beke, EuralPack, SABIC and Kuraray EVAL Europe) and I thank Jan Mortier for excellent assistance in thermoforming the samples at Cobelplast, Geert Herremans (Kuraray, EVAL Europe) and Marnik Vaes (SABIC) for presenting and sharing technical information in the second user group meeting and Jelle Sterckx for his help setting up the sterilization process in Bioville. Last but not least, I especially thank Griet Knockaert for the perfect execution of the project and the accurate analysis of all results, as well as my colleagues Dimitri Adons, Nadia Lepot, Gudrun Nowicki, Riet Henno, Bram Bamps and Roos Peeters from the Packaging Technology Center and Martine Van Hamel, Jan Yperman and Robert Carleer from the research group of Applied and Analytical Chemistry.

I hope you enjoy reading the results from the OptiThe_Ox2 project. Mieke Buntinx September 2015

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Materials and methods Chapter 3 Evaluation of the thickness and gas permeability properties of selected PET sheet materials and their thermoformed trays Chapter 4 Evaluation of the thickness and gas permeability properties of PLA and PLA/EVOH/PLA sheets and their thermoformed trays Chapter 5 Evaluation of the thickness and gas permeability properties of selected PP sheet materials and their thermoformed trays Chapter 6 Evaluation of thickness and barrier properties of selected PP/EVOH/PP materials before and after retorting. Chapter 7 Literature review on additives (Scavengers, Fillers, Nucleating agents, Foaming agents) Chapter 8 Summary of OTR results Chapter 9 Annexes Chapter 10 References