Innovia launches mineral oil barrier film for food packaging

Innovia Films has launched a new BOPP film called Propafilm RCU, which is tested to provide up to 18…

Innovia Films has launched a new BOPP film called Propafilm RCU, which is tested to provide up to 18 months protection from mineral oil migration.

The company developed the film after earlier studies found that foods were being contaminated by migration of mineral oil from paper-board packaging.

Innovia claims that the mineral oil residue traces in food are thought to develop due to their migration from the printing inks present both on the packaging surface and in recycled newspapers, used in the production of cardboard packaging.

These can even migrate and be deposited on dried foods packaged in the box, such as pasta, rice, breakfast cereals and biscuits at room temperature.

The UK Food Standards Agency also further highlighted that safe levels were frequently exceeded in food packaging samples that were tested.

Propafilm RCU's development is the result of proactive investigation into the mineral oil hydrocarbon and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon barrier protection of their films.

Innovia Films Packaging & Sustainability marketing manager Andy Sweetman said: "It is exciting to be able to offer the market a cost effective versatile film that ensures proven protection for dried foods. It is printable and can be used on a range of machines, including vertical and horizontal form-fill-seal (VFFS/HFFS).

"Propafilm™ RCU is ideal for pre-made bags and lamination to other films. This BOPP film offers the market a complimentary alternative to our NatureFlex™ film that provides up to five years protection. It means we have a product to meet a wide range of shelf life requirements."

Besides offering barrier, the film claims to offer superior optical properties, a low sealing threshold and a broader sealing range which makes it ideal for use in a variety of markets such as biscuits, bakery, confectionery, dried foods, tea and cereals.