Firsta Group has completed validation testing of an inline coated (ILC) BOPP base film developed by the company, with performance reaching the required level at temperatures of 150°C.
The validation marks a further stage in Firsta’s development of ILC-BOPP for applications requiring higher operating temperatures.
The Chinese company’s ILC-BOPP production line was built by stretched films systems supplier Brückner Group.
Firsta said it is the first industrial-scale ILC-BOPP line of its type in China and is intended to support wider use of inline coating technology in the domestic market.
Streamline manufacturing
In conventional offline production, film is manufactured before being coated in a separate process. ILC-BOPP instead combines biaxial orientation of the PP substrate with application of a functional coating during production.
Firsta said the approach is intended to streamline manufacturing while supporting the development of films with heat resistance, barrier properties and other functions.
The company has developed a functional-film production platform covering BOPP, BOPET, coating, metallisation and masterbatch. Its high-barrier ILC-BOPP films are already being produced in batches for packaging applications including electronic component protection, food, pharmaceutical and medical, and new energy materials.
The newly validated temperature-resistant ILC-BOPP base film is being developed for applications requiring both heat resistance and barrier performance.
The material provides another PP-based option for packaging and functional-film applications with more demanding requirements, according to Firsta.
Higher thermal performance
The company plans to continue developing the temperature-resistant ILC-BOPP technology towards industrial-scale production, alongside further work on functional films requiring higher barrier and thermal performance.
Thomas, global electrical director at Brückner Group, said: “As part of our cooperation with Firsta Group, we redesigned and manufactured a customised Brückner coating system based on Firsta’s specific requirements and the needs of the global market.
“By integrating the coating process into the production line, the system significantly reduces energy consumption and enables zero VOC [volatile organic compounds] emissions.”
