One of the most important challenges plastics processors face when manufacturing packaging products is appearance, but thanks to its innovative Pationic range, Corbion has tackled these unique aesthetics issues head on.

Cups
Polymer Additives Sales Manager at Corbion Michele Potenza revealed that the aesthetic challenges that most plastics packaging processors want to conquer with any product include static charge, which results in a product picking up specs of dust, and fogging, which can make food products such as bagged salads less appealing to the consumer if they are more difficult to see through their wrapping.
"An antistat can be used to prevent the charge, which can cause handling issues and even pose the risk of fire when packaging electronics," explained Potenza, adding, "the Pationic portfolio can also be used to prevent fog formation on the surface of film packaging for applications such as salad bags."
Based on edible, fully hydrogenated vegetable oils, Corbion's Pationic emulsifiers are optimised for the PP, PE, PVC and styrene industries and an established base in North America has prompted the biobased technology leader to expand its reach into Europe and the MENA regions.
In addition to ensuring the best possible appearance in a plastic package, Pationic is also a processing enhancer. Potenza revealed that expanded polystyrene producers opted for Pationic for its cooling and processing properties, as well as its antistatic and mould-release qualities.
Of course, the product is undergoing a constant evolution and their demand is growing, as their bio-characteristics are appealing to large food companies with sustainable packaging programmes.
"The Pationic product range supports polymer producers, compounders and converters with their specific processing and product challenges," said Potenza. "Our target customers are located across all industrial regions in Europe and any country that has a strong plastics industry stands to benefit from our product range."