Plastic Suppliers, Inc. (PSI) launched EarthFirst® UL, an ultra-thin, bio-based sealant web used for flexible packaging applications. This game-changing material lowers the cost of sealant films used in flexible packaging, while offering all the environmental advantages of PSI’s EarthFirst family of bio-based plastics. EarthFirst UL is made from lactic acid found in several renewable organic feedstocks like tapioca roots, sugar beets, sugar cane, and corn.
Both brand owners and flexible packaging converters will benefit from improved efficiencies, lower energy usage, reductions in product-to-package ratios, and lower cost per MSI versus traditional LDPE sealant films, according to the company. Through commercial testing and trials, the company has been able to quantify significant improvements to the overall supply chain efficiency with EarthFirst UL in lower freight costs, reducing costly roll change-overs, requiring less storage, and reducing the material volume entering the solid waste stream. At the same time, this can be accomplished with a more environmentally-friendly film.
“Our customers have been demanding innovation in packaging that does more with less”, says George Thomas, President and CEO. “Our ability to provide an ultra-thin gauge, high-performance sealant film meets that need. The whole supply chain is more efficient, more cost-effective, and with a product that is sustainable and compostable. It is a win-win for the brand owners and flexible packaging converters. EarthFirst UL really is a game-changer.”
EarthFirst UL is ideal for food packaging applications using single-serve pillow pouches, coffee frac-packs, gusseted stand-up pouches, frozen foods, and multi-wall bags. When compared to LLDPE, EarthFirst UL forms superior seals at lower seal initiation temperatures. Its naturally high dyne levels make it ideal as a laminate to PET, metPET, PP, Nylon, and paper substrates. UL has a great aroma barrier, grease-resistant attributes, and is available in 9, 12, and 15 micron gauges (.36mil, .48mil, and .6mil).
