New, Metallized Heat-Sealable OPP Film Debuts at Packexpo International 2004

Toray Plastics (America), Inc. INTRODUCES NEW Torayfan PCFS ADVANCED PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY

North Kingstown, RI (November 7, 2004)-Converters and end users at PackExpo International 2004 are introduced to a new, technologically advanced, heat-sealable, co-extruded, metallized OPP film designed to replace the foil and sealant in traditional paper-polyethylene-foil-polyethylene (PPFP) structures. Toray Plastics (America), Inc.�s next generation Torayfan PCFS, made with a proprietary blend of polymers, saves converters time and money by eliminating the sealant extrusion coating step in the converting process. The new MOPP film has a low shear storage modulus (viscosity of the molten resin) that provides increased flow-ability and improved hermetic seals. Torayfan� PCFS also has exceptional moisture and oxygen barrier durability, as well as improved economics over traditional foil and sealant combinations. Torayfan PCFS is now a preferred, brand-building packaging material for packet and stand-up pouch applications, including hot cocoa, seasoning, soup, rice, croutons, stuffing, dried cheese, and powdered beverages and nutrition/energy drinks.

"Converters and food manufacturers depend on new packaging technology to keep them a step ahead of the competition," says Chris Voght, product manager, Torayfan Division. "Torayfan PCFS offers significant advantages by outperforming standard OPP and foil and delivering a heat-sealable, cost-effective, aesthetically appealing flexible package that has exceptional barrier durability."

The Torayfan PCFS's unique, heat-activated sealant has a low seal initiation temperature and improved hermeticity versus sealants typically used in BOPP films. During the heat sealing process, Torayfan PCFS exhibits a unique "caulking" ability to flow into corners and channels and around small particles in the seal. This eliminates the need for a polyethylene sealant in traditional PPFP structures, saving converters time and money in the converting process. Torayfan PCFS offers high barrier durability, whereas foil easily succumbs to pin holing. Pin holing is a greater risk today as converters try to save money by using even thinner foil. Torayfan PCFS also exhibits excellent stiffness, puncture resistance, and improved dead-fold properties. These important physical attributes ensure a value-added, eye-catching appearance by preventing the "shop worn" look that typically occurs when handling packages made with foil.

Toray Plastics (America), Inc. is a leading manufacturer of polyester and polypropylene films for flexible and rigid packaging, magnetic, industrial and capacitor applications. The company is a subsidiary of Toray Industries, Inc., the world leader in synthetic fibers and textiles, carbon fibers, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and high performance films. Annual sales exceed $9 billion, USD. Visit the Toray Plastics (America), Inc. web site at www.TorayFilms.com.

For more information about new PCFS contact Chris Voght, product manager, at Chris Voght@toraytpa.com For more information about Toray Plastics (America), Inc.'s entire line of polyester and polypropylene films, contact Eric Bartholomay, product development manager, at Eric Bartholomay@toraytpa.com., Toray Plastics (America), Inc., 50 Belver Avenue, North Kingstown, RI 02852-7500, telephone: 401-294-4511, fax 401-294-1480.

PHOTO CAPTION: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.'s new heat-sealable, metallized Torayfan PCFS polypropylene film replaces the foil and sealant in traditional paper-polyethylene-foil-polyethylene packets and stand-up pouches.