Trinseo's LIGOS™ A 9200: Sustainably Advantaged Adhesives for Flexible Packaging

The shift towards flexible packaging has been gaining momentum due to its ability to deliver:

 

• efficiency,
• sustainability, and
• consumer convenience

Flexible packaging minimizes material use and reduces overall packaging weight, which not only lowers transportation costs but also decreases manufacturer's carbon footprint. This packaging form also offers versatility to meet various functional and aesthetic needs, making it ideal for modern consumers who prioritize convenience and environmental impact. 

Trinseo is committed to supporting this industry evolution by providing innovative solutions like LIGOS™ A 9200, which can help manufacturers enhance the performance and sustainability of their packaging products.


 

The design of LIGOS™ A 9200 emerged from Trinseo's extensive expertise in polymer chemistry and understanding of market needs. Trinseo focused on creating a robust and versatile adhesive that could address the challenges faced by flexible packaging converters, particularly for those working with diverse substrate materials. 

The result is an all-acrylic, high-solids adhesive that offers strong initial shear and bond strength. It is also suitable for laminating paper to various films, including treated polyolefins, polyvinylidene chloride-coated substrates, and metalized films. Their goal was to develop a product that:

 

• enhances operational efficiency,
• enables high-speed lamination, and
• meets the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions

LIGOS™ A 9200 outperforms many other commercial adhesives due to its high solid content and excellent bonding properties. With 62% solids and a viscosity below 500 millipascal second (mPas), the polymer supports high-speed lamination and efficient drying, which are critical for increasing operational efficiency.

Furthermore, the adhesive delivers:

 

• high initial shear strength,
• enabling faster slitting in post-lamination processes, and
• offers strong bond strength across a variety of substrates

This makes it difficult to delaminate, often resulting in paper tear rather than adhesive failure, which is a key indicator of superior bond integrity. Additionally, when combined with a water-dispersible crosslinker, LIGOS™ A 9200 enhances the mechanical and thermal resistance of the packaging, making it a versatile choice for demanding applications.

 

Bond Strength and Failure Mode of LIGOS™ A 9200

LIGOS™ A 9200 is specifically engineered to enhance the sustainability of paper-based packaging structures. The product's design supports excellent re-pulpability, meaning that packaging using LIGOS™ A 9200 can be easily recycled within standard paper recycling systems. This is crucial in advancing the circular economy, as it allows for the recovery and reuse of valuable paper fibers, reducing overall waste.

Moreover, LIGOS™ A 9200's high solid content can contribute to more efficient manufacturing processes, requiring less energy and resources, which further reduces environmental impact. By integrating LIGOS™ A 9200 into their packaging solutions, customers can offer products that:

 

• meet stringent sustainability standards,
• cater to eco-conscious consumers, and
• align with global efforts to minimize environmental footprints

LIGOS™ A 9200 is certified for excellent re-pulpability in paper-based laminates by the Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS), which confirms its suitability for standard mill recycling processes. This certification is based on rigorous testing using the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) recyclability laboratory test method, a harmonized European standard.

For customers, this means that packaging using LIGOS™ A 9200 not only meets high-performance standards but also supports sustainable practices by being recyclable in conventional recycling systems. This can be a significant advantage for brands looking to enhance their environmental credentials and meet regulatory requirements.

 

Benefits of LIGOS™ A 9200

Absolutely. Trinseo is continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of the flexible packaging industry. We are actively exploring the development of new grades within the LIGOS™ series to offer even more tailored solutions, such as adhesives with:

 

• enhanced recyclability,
• high thermal and chemical resistance, and
• improved adhesion to a broader range of substrates

Our commitment to innovation ensures that we stay ahead of industry trends and continue to provide our customers with high-performance, sustainable adhesives that drive their success.

 

About Daniele Vinci  Daniele Vinci is the EMEA Business Development Manager for the CASE Business at Trinseo. He is well-known for his contributions to business development, strategy, and international sales. With in-depth expertise in latex binders, packaging, adhesives, coatings, and circular economy, Vinci's career demonstrates his steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation within the chemical industry. Vinci joined Trinseo in 2022 in Technical Service and Development and then moved on to the role of Business Development Manager for the CASE Business. In this role, he identifies and nurtures new business prospects, builds relationships with key stakeholders, and manages accounts to drive strategic objectives and expand the company's CASE industry market share. He drives several initiatives, including the efforts on flexible packaging. Before joining Trinseo, Vinci worked for 14 years at the Dow Chemical Company in the Packaging & Specialty Plastics division. Vinci has an MSc. in Chemistry from the University of Perugia (Italy) and a PhD from the Leverhulme Centre for Innovative Catalysis in Liverpool (UK). He recently completed a Global Executive MBA dual program at SDA Bocconi (Italy) and Rotman Business School (Canada).

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