Additives for food packaging

The use of raw materials in the production of food packaging

Chemical raw materials for the production of food packaging are commonly used in the manufacture of various packaging materials, from plastic films and trays to PET bottles, thermoformed cups and polyolefin components. In many cases, chemical additives are not directly incorporated into the packaging itself, but modify the properties of polymers used in processes such as extrusion, injection moulding or blow moulding.

The most common areas of application

• improvement of antistatic properties, making films and surfaces easier to use and less prone to attracting dust,
• additives that prevent moisture evaporation or water vapour condensation, which is crucial when packaging products exposed to moisture,
• agents facilitating the forming and processing of polymers, increasing their stability during production,
• components that improve lubricity and reduce friction of materials, which contributes to better machine performance and packaging surface quality.

Additional applications include the use of raw materials that affect the visual and functional properties of packaging, such as film clarity, scratch resistance and label compatibility.

Antistatic agents

Antistatic agents are a key component in the production of packaging, especially plastic packaging such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Their task is to reduce the accumulation of electrostatic charges on the surface of the material, which facilitates subsequent processing, packaging and labelling, and minimises dust attraction. Examples of PCC Group products include Chemstat® 830/60DC and Chemstat® 830/60DCHF, which combine antistatic and lubricating functions.

Dispersants and wetting agents

Dispersants and wetting agents are often used in packaging production to improve the dispersion of additives in the polymer matrix and facilitate raw material processing. Raw materials such as POLIkol 200 (PEG-4) and POLIkol 4500 (PEG-100) belong to the group of polyethylene glycols, which facilitate the decomposition of components during the processing of plastics and influence their properties.

Emulsifiers and functional additives

Alkoxylated alcohols, such as ROKAnol® IT10 or ROKAnol® RZ4P11, can act as emulsifiers and components that improve the stability of additives in polymer matrices. They are used where it is necessary to improve the homogeneity of materials and their surface properties, which is important, for example, in the production of barrier films. Substances with a polyethylene glycol structure and EO/PO block copolymers are also good emulsifiers. Examples of additional functions of emulsifiers:

• POLIkol 8000 acts as a plasticiser and binding agent in the production of biopolymer-based food packaging,
• ROKAmer 2000 is approved for use as an anti-foaming agent under certain conditions,
• ROKAnol® RZ4P11 is an anti-foaming agent in the production of packaging paper.

Anti-fogging agents

Some raw materials, such as Chemstat® 1280/60DCHF and Chemstat® AF-687, prevent water vapour condensation on packaging surfaces, i.e. they provide a so-called anti-fog effect, which improves the transparency of the film and the aesthetics of food packaging used in the display of fresh products such as fruit or meat.

Technological and quality benefits in the production of food packaging

The use of specialised raw materials in the production of food packaging brings numerous benefits, both technological and qualitative. They make it possible to obtain materials with better processing performance, stable mechanical properties and optimal performance parameters, which translates directly into food safety and the shelf life of food products.

Safety of raw materials in contact with food

Chemical raw materials for the production of food packaging must be selected in accordance with the regulations on materials intended to come into contact with food. Although these additives act as polymer modifiers, their use should take into account the lists of substances approved for use and the migration limits applicable in the European Union.

International standards and good market practices

Some of the raw materials used as additives in food packaging also have opinions and approvals from international organisations such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). These confirm the possibility of using these substances as indirect additives in packaging materials under specific technological conditions.