Innovative BYKO2BLOCK-1200: Enhancing PLA Food Packaging

The packaging industry has seen a growing shift towards the use of bioplastics, particularly due to their environmentally friendly properties. Polylactide (PLA), a form of polylactic acid, is increasingly favored in food packaging applications. PLA's biodegradability in industrial composting environments and its inherent transparency make it a suitable choice for packaging. However, its high permeability to gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor requires modification for effective use in food packaging films.

Enhancing Gas Barrier Properties with BYKO2BLOCK-1200

To address the challenges of PLA's gas permeability, BYK has developed BYKO2BLOCK-1200, an innovative additive designed specifically for food packaging films. This additive comprises platelet-forming, modified phyllosilicate that integrates seamlessly into the polymer matrix during the compounding process. The even distribution of these platelets within the PLA matrix significantly reduces its permeability to gases and water vapor, enhancing the material's suitability for packaging applications.

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Illustration of the modified phyllosilicate structure enhancing PLA's properties.

Performance Benefits and Application

Extensive testing in BYK laboratories has demonstrated that incorporating just a small proportion of BYKO2BLOCK-1200—between 3% and 5%—into PLA can enhance its impermeability by up to 30% for gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. This improvement does not compromise other crucial properties of PLA, such as its mechanical strength or transparency, thereby ensuring its continued performance in packaging applications.

Additionally, BYKO2BLOCK-1200 contributes to an increase in the thermal resistance of PLA, further extending its range of applications across various temperature conditions. This advantage becomes particularly beneficial in maintaining the integrity and freshness of packaged food products during transportation and storage.

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Graph illustrating the enhanced impermeability of PLA with BYKO2BLOCK-1200.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Incorporating BYKO2BLOCK-1200 into PLA food packaging not only addresses the permeability challenges but also enhances the overall performance of bioplastics in the industry. By adopting this innovative solution, manufacturers can achieve sustainable, high-performance packaging that meets contemporary environmental and quality standards.

If you are interested in learning more about how BYKO2BLOCK-1200 can enhance your packaging solutions, please contact Keyser & Mackay for additional information and technical support tailored to your industry needs.