The additive could help food companies keep odors within a package or prevent outside ones from affecting their products.
US-based Ampacet says its masterbatch additive helps control taste and odor issues in plastics film applications for trash bags and flexible food packaging.
The masterbatch, Ampacet 101787, removes the molecules as they pass through packaging films and other plastic packaging parts. The additive can be used in low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear LDPE and ethylene vinyl acetate films used for food packaging.
The active ingredient in Ampacet 101787 is highly porous and preferentially adsorbs smaller, odor-causing molecules, especially ammonium-based and polar compounds, Ampacet stated in a press release posted on Jobwerx. It can be used for monolayer and multilayer flexible food packaging.
"Since it is moderately hydrophobic, it readily removes organic and inorganic compounds in the presence of water," the company stated. "When placed in a polymer structure, this high-surface-area material entraps offensive compounds originating either from outside or inside a package or from the resin itself."
Masterbatches are plastic compounds that include a high concentration of an additive or additives. Designed for use in appropriate quantities with the basic resin or mix so that the correct end concentration is achieved. For example, colour masterbatches are extensively used to provide a convenient method of obtaining accurate colour shades.
Ampacet produces colour and additive concentrates for the plastics industry. It operates from sites in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Ampacet Europe is headquartered in Luxembourg.