Dow polypropylene products gain expanded food contact status

The US packing and chemical giant said that the impact copolymers DC7072.00 and DC7054.00 for the food and beverage sectors also represent a breakthrough in terms of strength and processibility.

All food types​

A Dow spokesperson told FoodProductionDaily.com that while impact copolymers (ICP) have previously been used in food contact materials, the range of materials with FDA compliance was limited based on the body’s self compliance testing criteria.

“These self compliance test limitations are no longer applicable for Dow's ICP grades with the recently granted FCN (Food Contact Notification) by the FDA,”​ he added.

“In particular, container manufacturers were limited in which products they could use in various food contact applications.,” ​he added. “With issuance of ​US​ FDA FCN 843, Dow ICPs comply with FDA regulations for food contact use for all food types and conditions.”​

Performance boost​

The company also said the impact copolymers have improved impact properties in finished parts. The properties of the new PP products are similar to previously developed PP resins on the market but with one vital difference, said Dow.

“The key attribute not previously available with these resin grades was food contact compliance for higher impact and/or higher flow ICP products. Dow ICP resins can now be designed to provide reduced breakages in parts and improved processability,”​ added the spokesman.

The company said it believed the ICPs would help Dow’s customers serve their own markets as well as providing a competitive advantage for food packaging producers.

“We believe this development will allow Dow customers to take advantage of these grades for new market place application development and sales opportunities,”​ said the spokesman.