Chinaplas: PolyOne launches dual protection light barrier for clear packaging

Shanghai, China — There's a 'clear trend' going on in packaging and as such, PolyOne Corp. is showcasing its OnCap Light Shield additives for clear packaging at Chinaplas 2014 (N1.E41). The additives reportedly absorb both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light before either can reach light sensitive contents such as food or pharmaceuticals, which can help reduce their degradation. 

In addition, the OnCap Light Shield additives can also eliminate the need to have an extra coating or layer. 

"In the past for clear packaging, there needed to be several layers or additives to shield it from light," said Mark Crist, VP of key account management and VP of Asia for PolyOne. "This single solution absorbs both UV and visible light to protect products in clear packaging from degradation. The new additives are compatible with most clear polymers and FDA compliant."

While clear packaging is a growing consumer preference, it also increases the contents exposure to light, which raises the risk of product degradation, according to Say Eng Lee, general manager of PolyOne color and additives Asia. But the company touts that the OnCap Light Shield additives enable manufactures to protect brand integrity and the contents of the packaging by producing a clear package that has light protection. 

Initial applications for OnCap Light Shield additives include disposable medical infusion sets, pharmaceutical packaging, pre-filled syringes, film packaging, bottles and food storage sheet and film.

Available as a granular masterbatch for injection molding, thermoforming or extrusion, these new additives work with most clear polymers, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS). FDA-compliant PET and PS versions are available for healthcare packaging.