Toray Plastics (America) Inc. debuts new film for retort pouch applications

NORTH KINGSTOWN – Toray Plastics (America) Inc. has created a new transparent and microwavable packaging for food pouches.
The manufacturer of polypropylene, polyester, metallized and bio-based films said it has introduced Barrialox® SBR2, a high-barrier, transparent, aluminum oxide-coated polyester film for retort pouch applications.
Retort pouches are made from a laminate of flexible plastic and metal foils, and are an alternative to other kinds of packaging, such as cans.
The pouch, used to package cooked, sterilized food, is popular among consumers who purchase microwaveable meals and “on-the-go” foods.
Barrialox SBR2 film, according to Toray, has “excellent thermal stability and superior mechanical properties, including high-strength and dimensional stability, enabling it to withstand the rigors of the converting process and the intense high heat and pressure of retort sterilization.”
“A film that maintains its inherent barrier-durability during and after converting and retorting processes is essential for a successful retort application,” Chris Voght, senior director of sales and marketing, Torayfan Division, said in a statement.
Voght said that brand owners use the retort pouch for traditional applications, such as seafood, chicken, prepared meals, rice and even pet food, but they also want it for new product introductions and brand extensions, especially microwaveable applications.
“Microwaveable vegetables and sauces, in particular, are trending now,” he said.
According to Toray, Barrialox SBR2 resists pinholing, flex-cracking, and scuffing and abrasion, making it a preferred choice over more delicate aluminum oxide-coated films. In standard laminations, SBR2 also is reverse-printed to create a “colorful, attractive package” that can be microwaved, Toray said.

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