Vacuum skin packaging (VSP) is a type of packaging where a product is placed on a piece of tray (plastic or cardboard) and a thin barrier film is softened by heat and draped over the product on the tray. Vacuum is applied to ensure the film will cover the entire surface of a product/tray, removing as much air inside the package as possible.
Videplast, a Brazilian packaging converter, saw the chance to replace an existing resin to create a solution with reduced film thickness that does not contain ionomers.
“We identified an opportunity in both the national and international markets to develop a differentiated structure for the VSP film,” said Leonardo Nunes da Silva – R&D manager, Videplast. “Furthermore, by creating a unique structure in the market that does not contain ionomers, we anticipated an opportunity for us to offer our customers a high-performance, cost-effective solution.”
Solution
ExxonMobil provided Videplast with a proposed structure for the desired solution. The solution employing ExxonMobil’s Exceed XP 7052ML can offer multiple benefits:
- Cost-effectiveness.
- Protection from food spoilage, leakage and contamination, which can support extended shelf life.
- Tight seal can help to prevent freezer burn.
- Allows for vertical display of products and improved aesthetics due to outstanding optical properties.
- Excellent packaging for small portions of meat, cheese, fish, seafood and other products.
Results
“The relationship between Videplast and ExxonMobil is characterized by the development of projects that result in innovative solutions for the flexible plastic packaging market,” said Leandro Barcarolo Martinoto – R&D Manager, Videplast. “We consider our collaboration with ExxonMobil to be of the utmost relevance in terms of innovation and technology, prioritizing high quality and superior performance of the materials provided. When we requested a structure for the development of the skin film, we were promptly presented with an innovative proposal, aiming for market prominence. Through this work, we achieved the development of a downgauged structure that does not contain ionomers. This is the type of collaboration that helps drive not only our business but can also support shifts in industry standards. As our motto says: ‘engagement makes the difference’.”
Martinoto continued, ”The progress achieved in the VSP (Vacuum Skin Packaging) project generates high expectations. The implementation of VSP has the potential to generate substantial long-term savings. We are convinced of the positive impact that VSP will bring to our operations, expanding into new export markets, discovering innovative applications, and optimizing operational costs.”