Abstract:

Transparent barrier films based on vacuum deposited aluminum oxide (AlOx) layers are continuing to create large interest in the market with regards to their use as food and healthcare packaging materials. Nevertheless, their post-metalliser conversion to the final package still presents challenges to current AlOx producers and the wider converting industry. In this work, AlOx coated PET films have been converted in long-duration industrial-scale trials via topcoating, printing, lamination and finally pouch making and filling. Throughout this process, each conversion step has been extensively investigated, especially for its effects on the barrier performance.