Exponent 2 is said to offer improved sealing characteristics over Barex due to easier-to-create hermetic seals and improved line speeds.
ClearFoil, a barrier-coated polyester, is coextrusion coated with a non-crystalline polyester sealant to create Exponent 2. Pre-made or inline pouching, lidding, and flow wrap applications are anticipated to be the first commercialized package types.
When compared to traditional foil-based high-barrier structures, Exponent 2’s reduced number of layers and gauge is said to offer cost-savings and create an improved environmental profile for a wide variety of pharmaceutical products. The structure’s high-barrier and clarity properties also make it a suitable replacement for glass vials, where cost and breakage continue to challenge manufacturers.
Exponent 2 has been engineered to provide a chemically neutral, ultra-high oxygen and water vapor barrier with chemical resistance. Oxygen barrier levels are available as low as 0.0008 cc/100in2-24 hrs. and water vapor barrier properties are available down to 0.0008 g/100in2-24 hrs.
The transdermal patch, e-cigarette and diagnostics markets are the first application opportunities Rollprint sees for this technology. Exponent 2 is also suitable for single-dose delivery systems and cosmetic applications because of its high surface-to-volume ratio and unique barrier properties. Additionally, the high-barrier film is applicable for the emerging flexible packaging for wine and spirits segment because of its organoleptic characteristics.