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Among interesting new materials launched at K 2022 is a new family of high-performance plastomers from Nova Chemicals. Branded Astute, these plastomers are said to leverage Nova’s proprietary Advanced Sclairtech technology to produce PE-based sealant resins. These plastomers reportedly have been shown to provide opportunities for downgauging and lightweighting while enabling excellent processability and sealant properties. Nova anticipates the new Astute product family to become a new building block for all-PE recyclable packaging enabling converters and brand owners to reach their sustainability goals.

Astute plastomers are suitable for a wide variety of product applications including food packaging, heavy duty sacks and e-commerce. Nova continues to offer the full range of resins, from high-barrier HDPE to LLDPE, with the addition of very low-density LDPE and plastomers, providing a full array of polyethylene solutions for the entire value chain. The two new initial Astute offerings are:

 â–ª  Astute QPsK905 which is suitable for use as a single layer or in blends and is said to offer superior package integrity and robust sealing on a broad range of packaging equipment, including high-speed packaging lines. It is also easier to handle than conventional plastomers, thanks to less pellet and film blocking, and is less prone to bridging in the feed throat or extruder, providing peace of mind to converters and material handlers.

 â–ª  Astute QHsK908 showcases one of the broadest hot-tack window and lowest seal-initiation temperature, with reportedly excellent seal around contamination providing outstanding package integrity on high-speed packaging equipment. Its unique combination of dart and stiffness (secant modulus) and best-in-class puncture resistance, are said to make it ideal for packaging sharp products such as crackers and bone-in meats.