Macro Unveils New Foam Technology at NPE 2012

(Orlando, FL, USA) Macro has launched a new technology to extrude foam films using an environmentally friendly process that uses inert gas as the foaming agent.
Development of the technology was driven by the objective to produce foams by more sustainable means than traditional methods. By forming with an inert gas the process does not produce greenhouse gas emissions. Production is also safer than methods using flammable foaming agents, and Macro’s foaming method is also significantly less costly than alternatives.

The technology has been developed for both blown and cast extrusion methods. Macro has designed the technology so it may be integrated into new and existing extrusion systems to create swing lines, in which the processor can switch between conventional film production and foam production. This allows greater processing flexibility for the processor, an objective Macro strives for with all its extrusion systems.

Foams can expand a film’s thickness by 100% or more, while reducing the density by 40-60%. It can improve film strength, tear-resistance, and create anti-slip properties with a glossy surface.

To date, Macro has produced a variety of high quality films with varying thicknesses in large quantities in its film development center located at the company’s head office near Toronto Canada. The foams have been produced through blown and cast type methods and have included foam structures composed of LLDPE blends, HDPE blends, PS, and PP. In addition to these materials, Macro has also created a variety of foams using PLA to create fully compostable foams.

Applications include food packaging (caps, thermoformed trays, insulation pouches), medical packaging (lamination material); and retail applications (glossy films).

Macro is currently working with several potential customers to fully commercialize the offering.

Macro is located in the West Hall at Booth 5577.