BASF presents at Interpack 2008 in Düsseldorf
Ø Innovative and versatile products for the packaging industry
Ø BASF showing at Interpack for the first time in more than 20 years
Ø Many plastics and other packaging raw materials
BASF SE is to present its range of packaging plastics but also many other packaging raw materials at the international packaging fair Interpack in Düsseldorf from April 24-30. The company's innovative and versatile solutions for the packaging industry will be on display at Stand B43 in Hall 10. BASF is taking part in Interpack for the first time in more than 20 years. The trade fair has a 50-year history and is the world's largest fair for packaging machinery, packaging, and packaging raw materials.
Product and packaging design are crucial factors in differentiating a product from rivals, with colors and effects coming to play an increasingly important role. BASF products will be presented in five theme clusters and at two information terminals. Key themes are visual appeal, haptics, biodegradability, content protection, sustainability and service.
The following plastics highlights will be shown at the BASF stand:
Plastics for appealing visuals and haptics
The transparent plastic Styrolux® HS 70, a new BASF SBS polymer, has a high maximum shrinkage and good processing features making it ideal for the manufacture of shrink wrap for packaging beverage bottles. The appealing haptics and easy printability also make this material the perfect choice for attractive film wrapping for unusually shaped containers. Terlux® (MABS) and Luran® Crystal Clear (SAN), two styrenics specialties combining high transparency, good chemical resistance and brilliance all in one, are used for transparent packaging for high-end cosmetics such as lipstick tubes.
Biodegradable plastics: Ecovio® and Ecoflex®
BASF responds to the needs of modern food manufacturers with the biodegradable plastics Ecoflex® and Ecovio®. What's more, Ecovio® is biobased, with a renewable raw material content of almost 50%. It is blendable with the waterproof, heat resistant Ecoflex® and can be processed using conventional tubular film equipment. The two plastics are used in supermarket bags, biodegradable trash can liners, agricultural mulch film, breathable film for hygiene products, and in cling film. Ecovio® and Ecoflex® are presented at the Interpack fair in a second dedicated Bioplastics-in-Packaging stand (Stand E11 in Hall 7a).
BASF plastics for content protection
In collaboration with ALPLA, one of the world's largest manufacturers of plastic beverage bottles, BASF has now developed the first bottle made of shockproof polystyrene (PS-I) specially for dairy products. With an approximately 25 percent lower density, it is a lower cost alternative to conventional PET containers and can be processed using conventional PET equipment. Styroflex® 2G 66, another SBS polymer-based transparent polymer, is tough, highly resilient and also gas-permeable, making it specially suitable for pallet or food packaging based on the stretch principle. BASF also presents the two polyolefin foams Neopolen® E (EPE) and Neopolen® P (EPP), which are used for protective padding/shock-absorbent packaging, and Ultramid®, the transparent polyamide (PA) for flavorproof multilayer food packaging.
Apart from plastics many other interesting packaging news will be shown (contact persons at the end of this text):
New effect pigment portfolio for appealing styling options
Whether through depth, luster, sparkle or multicolor effects, BASF's new effect pigment portfolio offers designers an array of attractive styling options for coloring a range of packaging materials. Lumina® effect pigments provide unbeatable brilliancy and luster for richer shades and stronger color-flop effects. The particle size and smooth surface of Firemist® effect pigments give brilliant glitter effects. The newly developed Firemist® Colormotion product range combines these glitter effects with a changing play of colors that depends on the angle of vision. In combination with colored pigments from BASF, the design opportunities are endless.
The fascinating world of color: Aurora special effect film
Aurora® special effect film by BASF opens up a variety of optical effects for product designers, packaging and label manufacturers. The film is high-luster with intriguing reflections and comes in a wide range of colors. Aurora® special effect film can be used for a variety of applications and in combination with a range of matrix materials such as paper and carton. The effect design options - subtle to striking, deluxe to whimsical - open up a wealth of opportunities for unusual packaging, eyecatching displays, and imaginative giftwrapping.
Sustainability is key: the Joncryl® FLX Line
BASF's Joncryl® FLX Line now makes switching from solvent-based to water-based printing inks for medium-duty packaging a high-quality, cost-effective option. Water-based inks formulated with Joncryl® FLX Line products meet the highest requirements for printability and long-lasting results.
UV absorber Uvinul® S-Pack for transparent UV protection
Clear outside, safe inside. The new UV absorber Uvinul® S-Pack provides even better protection from UV radiation for sensitive substances such as vitamins and colorants in PET bottles. Unlike traditional UV absorbers, Uvinul® S-Pack also absorbs long-wave UV light, thereby extending the shelf life of the contents. Another benefit is that its blue fluorescence prevents any yellowing of the plastic. This means PET packaging can also be used where an attractive packaging is just as important as the UV protection of the contents.
Innovative plasticizer Hexamoll® DINCH for packaging film
The innovative plasticizer Hexamoll® DINCH is developed specially for use in sensitive applications such as children's toys, medical devices and products used with foods, such as food wrapping. Hexamoll® DINCH has an outstanding toxicology profile and extremely low migration rate compared with other plasticizers, as demonstrated in studies conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Engineering and Packaging. Hexamoll® DINCH has a Federal Risk Assessment Institute approval rating and is EU 2002/72/EC-listed as safe to use with foods.
BASF paper chemicals for an unbeatable print appearance
Paper and cardboard packagings are very much in demand. A key reason is the internet shopping boom and associated shipment of goods. The requirements for packaging material are largely met by the use of suitable paper chemicals. As a leading manufacturer of paper chemicals, BASF will be presenting products and solutions at Interpack that are specially relevant in terms of two key packaging properties: strength and an attractive appearance. Paper and cardboard strength is controlled by the use of Luredur®. Acronal®, Styronal® and Basonal® brand paper coating binders and a range of additives are used to give the desired surface properties. All these products are designed to make paper and cardboard manufacture as economical as possible.
BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
For more about Styrolux® HS 70, Terlux® (MABS), Luran® Crystal Clear (SAN), Ecoflex®, Ecovio®, Polystyrene, Styroflex® 2G 66, Neopolen® and Ultramid®, please contact:
Dr. Sabine Philipp, phone:+49 621 60-43348,
For more about Lumina®, Firemist®, Uvinul® S-Pack and Joncryl® FLX Line, please contact:
Jürgen Jakob, phone +49 621 60-41769,
For more about Aurora® , please contact:
Georg Sposny, phone: +49 221 95464-140,
For more about Hexamoll® DINCH, please contact:
Andreas Gryger, phone:+49 621 60-45904,
For more about Luredur®, Acronal®, Styronal® and Basonal®, please contact:
Dr. Eckhard Parzich, phone:+49 621 60-95235,