Ashland Inc. and Mark Andy, Inc. have launched a film lamination technology that uses equipment advancements and new solvent-free adhesive technology to enable narrow- and mid-web converters to perform near-line slitting within hours of lamination. The combination of materials and machinery will save converters time, labor costs, adhesive scrap, reduce line downtime and substantially improving their productivity. The impact could be particularly profound for companies producing flexible food packaging.

The technology employs Ashland’s newest laminating adhesive Purelam 9500/9240 in conjunction with Mark Andy’s in-line adhesive delivery solution to speed curing and processing efficiency on press. This innovative technology enables in-line solvent-free lamination without pre-mix of adhesive components—resulting in no pot life concerns or adhesive curing on-press vs in the press machinery. The solution is immediately available on select Mark Andy Performance Series narrow-web and Versa Max mid-web press platforms.

The unique solvent-free adhesive delivery offering extends beyond equipment with a supply relationship through Mark Andy Print Products, the print supplies division of Mark Andy. The solution is optimized to deliver Purelam™ 9500/9240 adhesive in the quantities and lead times that converters need for peak profitability.

“Ashland is excited to be working with an industry leader like Mark Andy to revolutionize the way narrow and mid web converters laminate films for flexible food packaging,” said David Hatgas, global business director, adhesives and coatings, Ashland. “Beyond just focusing on products, we are focused on delivering innovation that enables our customers to improve product quality and to achieve lower cost in use. 

Purelam A9500/9240 is Ashland’s newest solvent-free laminating adhesive. It is an “All-in-One” adhesive that eliminates the need to change adhesives between jobs and has excellent bonds to both clear and metalized films.

“The development of solvent-free lamination in an in-line package is a direct response to our customers’ needs,” states John Howard, director of product management, Mark Andy Inc. “This integrated solution produces laminated product directly off the press and ready for post processing in a short turnaround time, with no curing of adhesive occurring on-press. We are proud to deliver an unmatched turnkey solution for the industry which will enable converters to acquire new business in a growing market segment, with no additional investment in off-line laminators or crews required.”

Ashland will continue to offer flexible packaging converters best-in-class conversion efficiency, shorter lead times and reduced costs via adhesive system innovations. Ashland is currently developing its next-generation adhesive system that will allow for in-line processing (ultra-fast curing, slitting and pouching).