Consumer expectations regarding the food safety of packaging are increasing and legislators are tightening regulations to ensure this. As a driving force in the field of laminating adhesives for food-safe packaging, Henkel is now launching Loctite Liofol LA 2798, a new solution for flexible stand-up pouches.
This adhesive solution was specially developed for use in the high-performance sector for packaging products that undergo a thermal process, such as sterilisation. The formulation is free from heavy metals and epoxysilanes such as GLYMO. This adhesive solution was designed as a modular system and as such is very versatile.
The base component Loctite Liofol LA2798 can be combined with various hardeners for the respective area of application, such as sterilisation applications, for aggressive filling goods or hot filling. The areas of application include pet food, medical applications and convenience products
„Common adhesives for flexible packaging in the high-performance segment still very often use GLYMO as an adhesion promoter. However, we have always attached great importance to the safety of the formulations for our adhesives,“
explains Helga Garmann, Manager Product Development Polyurethanes Europe at Henkel.
In the 11th amendment to the EU Plastics Directive (EU 10/2011), GLYMO has now been recognised as a potential genotoxic classified. A limit value of 0.15 μg/kg was defined for safe use in the food sector. Although the substance may expressly continue to be used, this also means that packaging manufacturers must prove that the concentrations of both the substance and its derivatives do not exceed the specified migration limits under real conditions of use.
„The test procedures for this are complex - which is why we recommend using adhesives that do not contain GLYMO in the first place.“,
says Garmann.
Optimum performance, a new level of safety and application efficiency
Henkel recognised this challenge at an early stage and began developing a new adhesive system. The development was supported by the company's own accredited analytical institute. In order to offer its customers a solution with a formulation that is completely free of substances of concern and at the same time offers high performance, Henkel has developed a Completely new adhesive base Loctite Liofol LA 2798 developed - optimised for the highest performance requirements.
The recipe is not only free from epoxysilanes such as GLYMO, but also free from substances such as Neopentyl glycol (NPG), hexanediol, tin and bisphenol A (BPA). It is therefore also suitable for fatty foods, oily fatty acids and alcoholic packaging contents.
The system, which is specially designed for high-temperature food contact and medical packaging applications, is Modular designThe base Loctite Liofol LA 2798 can be combined with different hardeners, which makes it possible to Versatile in use and reduces complexity. Henkel currently offers four hardeners each with different specifications for different applications.
1&2. The combination with the room temperature curing aromatic hardeners Loctite Liofol LA 5028 and LA 5036 are ideal for contents such as Dried pet food or hot filling goods. The laminates produced are pasteurisation and boiling resistant, placing this system in the medium to high performance segment.
3 For the highest performance requirements, Henkel offers the combination with the aliphatic hardener Loctite Liofol LA 7371, which also cures at room temperature and is ideal for 45-minute curing times. Sterilisation processes at 134 °C is suitable. This system has a GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) declaration, which certifies its safety for food applications in accordance with FDA 177.1390. This makes it suitable for Baby food the high-performance adhesive of choice.
4. for the packaging and sterilisation of liquid, particularly aggressive filling goods such as fatty foods and oily, greasy contents such as cat food, Henkel recommends the combination with Loctite Liofol LA 5802, which is designed for processing at temperatures of 134°C for 45 minutes and will also have a GRAS declaration certifying its safety for food applications in accordance with FDA 177.1390.
All of these solutions have excellent product resistance and ensure that the packaging fulfils the highest food safety requirements, even with aggressive products. Due to their strong performance profile, these adhesives are also microwave safe, which is particularly important for the packaging of convenience products and Ready meals is relevant.
„The adhesion properties and performance of our modular system have already been confirmed in industrial use by several of our customers. The product is already available for our customers and we are looking forward to introducing it to our partners and customers in the industry“,
so Dirk Vianden, Business Director Flexible Laminates Europe at Henkel in conclusion.
This information relates only to Henkel products and services in Europe. There may be deviations in other regions, including with regard to the availability of products and offers.
Loctite is a registered trademark of the Henkel Group in Germany and other countries.Loctite is a registered trademark of the Henkel Group with protection in Germany and other countries.
Source: Henkel AG
