Film formulations for carrier bags and garbage bags are able to raise levels of recycled content and be made thinner and stronger, thanks to a new high-performance masterbatch. Granic, a division of GCR Group in Spain specializing in plastic concentrates with mineral
fillers attributes key improvements in its new masterbatch to the polymer component supplied by ExxonMobil Chemical.
Granic 1522 masterbatch uses Vistamaxx polymers from ExxonMobil Chemical as a carrier resin for calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The deciding factor for Granic was demonstrable proof that, compared with a typical linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or polypropy- lene (PP) masterbatch, it allowed mineral filler loadings to be increased without sacrificing key mechanical properties. For end-uses such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shopper bags and garbage bags, the new-recipe masterbatch means that a higher concentration of recycled content, thinner material and better dart impact resistance are possible.
A producer of a commercial polyethylene (PE) garbage bag film included 20% Granic 1522 in an existing HDPE resin formulation and consequently doubled the impact resistance and made film 16% thinner than the original film. Additional benefits says ExxonMobil are a more consistent film thickness, which enables smoother processing calling for fewer adjustments, and lower costs because less material is required. Victor Oliva, commercial director and R&D manager of GCR Group says Granic 1522 is also targeting PP raffia
tapes and bags, thermoforming and blow moulding “where increased filler loadings and improved toughness can make a big difference to customers.”
