Royal DSM is expanding Akulon XS production capacity at its facility in Emmen, the Netherlands in a bid to cater to the increasing demand.
Akulon XS is a new polyamide that has been developed specifically for blown films used in flexible food packaging.
The semi-crystalline structure of Akulon provides a barrier against oxygen and aromas; while the material also offers exceptional mechanical strength and durability, the company said.
This can help processors to overcome performance and productivity challenges faced when using conventional PA6 with high crystallization speed.
The high crystallization speed of conventional PA6 will make processors to combine it with special amorphous polyamides or polyamide copolymers, reducing cost efficiency and properties.
DSM Akulon, Novamid, EcoPaXX global business director Danilo Fioravante said: "Demand for barrier films for flexible food packaging continues to rise in response to the growing need to reduce food waste and for longer food shelf-life.
"This latest expansion in Akulon XS helps to address these demands and underpins our commitment to developing sustainable solutions for industry and society."
The capacity expansion for the high-performance polyamide 6 is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016.
Akulon is becoming film formulators' priority as it acts as barrier material that can significantly extend the shelf life of packaged food and thus avoid the environmental and financial cost of food waste.
