ProPak China 2023: Ascend Performance Materials presents flexible solutions for “rapidly changing” market
20 Jun 2023 --- Ascend Performance Materials is launching its HiDura Lux amorphous nylon for packaging films in the Asian market at ProPak China 2023. The film uses a specialty modifier blended with other polyamides to enhance critical performance properties of packaging.
HiDura Lux features enhanced thermoforming and improved orientation to optimize shrink performance. It offers improved optical properties such as higher gloss and lower haze and increased organoleptic performance and oxygen barrier.
“The growth of the packaging industry in China is mainly driven by dynamic economic development, accelerating urbanization, and improvement in people’s quality of life. Consumers have been shifting toward more safe, convenient, unique and eco-friendly packaging,” an Ascend spokesperson tells Packaging Insights.
The company will exhibit HiDura Lux alongside its HiDura PTR puncture and tear-resistant nylon copolymers for films at booth number 51G53 between June 19-21.
HiDura Lux amorphous polyamides are designed as a modifier for existing layers or compounds.HiDura Lux
The flexible packaging market in China has a US$5 billion market growth from 2017-2022, equating to a 8% CAGR, according to reports. Of that number, 59% of flexible packaging is made for F&B.
HiDura Lux amorphous polyamides are designed as a modifier for existing layers or compounds. The material is approved for food contact and can be used in protein packaging, shrink films, thermoforming films and barrier layers for fiberboard.
“HiDura Lux is an innovative amorphous polyamide technology with improved orientation and thermoforming of films, enhanced gloss and clarity, designed specifically as a modifier for existing layers or compounds,” says the spokesperson.
“HiDura Lux mixes with other nylons such as PA6, PA66/6 and PA6/66, has excellent flow for processing and can be reground for introduction back into the process. HiDura Lux enhances optical properties such as clarity and gloss, and it can also improve organoleptic barrier and film orientation through crystallinity disruption. It also improves thermoforming performance and melt stability.”
Reducing food waste
In end-use applications, HiDura Lux creates an oxygen and moisture barrier to extend product shelf life and prevent food spoilage.
“There is growing demand for higher-performing packaging films in the greater Chinese market to reduce the number of food goods that never make it to consumers due to spoilage or damage,” says Terry Yuan, Ascend’s Asia commercial director for engineered plastics. 
Ascend Performance Materials creates film for food applications to reduce waste.
“Our packaging films portfolio brings new, high-performance films that minimize food waste and product damage across the supply chain.”
The Chinese packaging market has a CAGR of 6.79% in 2023 compared to a 3.1% global CAGR, according to research. Nine point four million metric tons of packaging materials were used in China’s mail order sector in 2018, which is expected to increase to 41.3 million metric tons by 2025.
Changing Chinese packaging market
When asked why HiDura Lux is needed in the Chinese packaging market, the spokesperson explains: “How consumers view and interact with packages is rapidly changing. Due to the rising focus on [environmental] sustainability, traditional rigid packaging solutions are being substituted by innovative, more sustainable, flexible packaging solutions.”
“Technological innovation, sustainability and attractive economics are prominent factors for the remarkable growth of the packaging industry in China.”
“The growing demand for customer-friendly packaging and heightened product protection is expected to boost flexible packaging as a viable and cost-effective substitute. The market is rapidly growing, driven by rising consumer demand for packaged goods with extended shelf life,” concludes the Ascends spokesperson.
By Sabine Waldeck
