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NatureFlex

NatureFlex™ from Innovia Films is the innovator of renewable and compostable films designed to cut down the planet’s carbon footprint. This company has chosen to live the organic lifestyle since its beginning, to bring customers environmental friendly packaging. The primary raw material used in the production of this film is dissolving wood pulp that comes in as sheets or reels. Recycled chemicals and discharge treatments are used to maximize the use of material and to cut down on the environmental impact of the chemical process.

The manufacturing process for this green film is similar to that of Cellophane films with the exception of the chemical process required for composting. This new process adaptation is modeled after the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool. This tool is used to calculate the impact of production on the environment. The company hopes using this tool will help them to improve their production process in the future.

Producing NatureFlex™ consists of a three step process: Viscose production, Casting, and Coating. A cellulose solution is created which is poured through a slot die into a chemical bath creating solid cellulose. The solid cellulose is checked for clarity, gloss, dead fold, anti-static, oil/grease barrier, and gas barrier in the casting phase. Finally the film is coated to intensify the technical properties of the film such as heat seal ability and moisture resistance.

NatureFlex™ is on the cusp of innovation that will be commonplace in the future. This material will not show any loss in mechanical properties until they are introduced to an environment where micro-organisms are present. It is certified as industrially compostable, marine and waste water biodegradable, and created from renewable raw materials from managed sources. Help reduce your company’s carbon footprint by buying into green innovation!