Clear Lam introduced its latest film, produced by the company's CL Polymers division, during September's Pack Expo trade show. CL Polymers compounds additives for both flexible and rigid thermoforming roll stock to improve the raw materials, such as an additive for PLA to make the packaging material more flexible and pliable, explained Dave Klopp, vp of flexible sales and marketing for the processor.

Available in clear or printed film, the packaging material seals at high speeds. The overwrap can be printed with up to 10 colors, and has what Klopp said are "excellent deadfold properties" which means the overwrap retains its shape. This was not the processor's first move into use of bioplastics; Clear Lam offers a variety of plant-based packaging for form-fill-seal applications, multi-layer forming and lidding films, and claims to be one of the largest extruders and thermoformers of Ingeo PLA in the world. These include breathable and high-barrier materials that can replace traditional petroleum-based materials.

Also recently introduced at Clear Lam is "Peel and ReSeal", a reclosable tray and lid system for improved shelf life and added convenience. The easy-to-use Peel and ReSeal film eliminates the need for rigid lids and shrink bands so that packaging is simpler to assemble. The Peel and ReSeal packaging can be resealed numerous times without the film losing its ability to adhere tightly to the package. This new package could be used for cheese, deli items, produce, confectionary and other multi-use products.

Clear Lam operates seven processing facilities worldwide, four in the U.S. (all located in Elk Grove Village, IL) and three in China, and employs nearly 50.