United States. Ashland has received U.S. Patent 9,539,795 for its PureKote 23589 dispersion and its PureKote 21412A cross-linking agent coating system.
The technology tandem creates a coating for flexible packaging that is resistant to water and wear. It also enhances consumer appeal with soft touch and matte finish. The coating system can be safely used in food packaging applications regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including paper and plastic bags, bags, covered films, foil bags and sachets.
The system was launched in late 2015 with a state patent pending and has been very well received by converters and brand owners.
Converters and brand owners are no longer relegated to using films with soft-touch properties built into them. The PureKote 23589 coating offers "soft touch" properties and can be applied creating a unique packaging experience with opaque sections and clear "windows" that allow consumers to see the product inside.
PureKote coating is particularly suitable for packaging that is used in food and pet food labeled as natural or organic. It can also be used in labels, boxes and other pressure-sensitive non-food applications.
"This coating is safe for use with any type of food and for some elevated temperature conditions," said Catherine Heckman, Ashland's adhesive and coating lamination manager. "PureKote coating is print responsive and can be used with foil, nylon, PET, OPP, vinyl and other plastic film substrates. It can be applied by gravure or flexographic process with a closed chamber blade."
