News

A Norfolk company claims to be one of the first metallised film specialists in Europe to apply a clear oxide barrier coating to polylactic acid (PLA) film.

Ultimet Films in Attleborough has produced trial reels of PLA coated in a clear oxide film that provides an oxygen barrier suitable for protecting crisps and other snacks or tea and cereals inside a carton.

Ultimet has produced the trial reels on one of its modified Valmet General metallisers and is waiting for a laminated sample from one of its converters.

Myke Stott, one of the three directors who founded Ultimet Films in 1995, said it was difficult to apply a clear barrier coating on PLA film.

“You have to control how much oxide you put on the film, but you can’t see it,” said Stott. “To my knowledge there are only two other firms in Europe that have successfully put clear barrier coatings on top of PLA.”

Stott also said the switch to using PLA film would “not happen wholesale”.

“PLA film is not yet being converted in great quantities. Its growth is really down to one of the supermarkets deciding to jump.

“Initially it will be used to package premium brand products where consumers are prepared to pay a bit more. I can’t tell you what volumes we will produce.”

However, Stott said the firm had not experienced problems sourcing PLA film.