Antioxidant gets FDA thumbs up for food packaging
WESTON 705, produced by Connecticut-based Addivant, is a liquid antioxidant used to stabilize polymers. The FDA has approved the material for use in food-contact applications, such as food packaging.
Performance packaging
The nonylphenol-free phosphite, according to the company, offers increased performance (and reduced worry) compared to conventional solid phosphites. Peter Smith, Addivant’s president and CEO, told FoodProductionDaily the product can lead to stronger, better-performing food packaging.
“This technology overcomes the drawbacks of conventional solid phosphites; it also enables our customers to capitalize on their latent technology to enhance the polymer architecture, allowing them to meet the needs of the very latest in processing systems, end markets and applications,” he said.
The antioxidant acts as a stabilizer, protecting polymers from degradation. Suitable for use in LLDPE and HDPE polymer material, the material is nonylphenol free and higher in phosphorous than previous products, which reportedly leads to increased performance for food firms and packaging producers.
Food applications
Smith said the antioxidant can be used for several types of foods, including snack bags, boil-in-bag packaging, and deli wraps. The clear, colorless, and odorless liquid also can be used in multilayer films, or coated/laminated films.
The FDA approval, according to the company demonstrates WESTON 705’s safety to food clients. The product also reportedly offers a high degree of color and surface aesthetics, manufacturing productivity, and reduced downtime (thanks to simplified die cleaning and speedier production).
