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.