Packaging manufacturer Barrier Plastics is launching the U.S. production of its sustainable packaging products, and beginning production of a new UN rated 20-liter jerrican that will continue its efforts to contain corrosive and potentially hazardous chemicals.
Barrier Plastics, based in California, is the sole North American manufacturer of Baritainers, a sustainable solution that the company calls an alternative to fluorinated plastic containers.
Kevin Callahan, VP of business development for Barrier Plastics, told PlasticsToday its Baritainers line of products avoid the potential failure of fluorinated packaging or lined steel containers while reducing a product's carbon footprint.
Baritainers are made of regular HDPE combined with Quoral, its proprietary nylon-based additive. Quoral acts as a barrier resin (BR) preventing the diffusion and loss of weight that occurs when hydrocarbons migrate into the atmosphere.
By processing under well-defined conditions in specially adapted extrusion equipment, polyamide (PA) is stretched into thin lamellas within a HDPE matrix creating a monolayer barrier. The discontinuous lamellas of PA act as an effective barrier to various chemicals.
Baritainers are at least 93% base HDPE, and the company says they are recyclable.
Callahan said while this technology is relatively new to the U.S., it has been used in Europe for approximately the last 15 years with positive results and wide acceptance.
Barrier established its Baritainer product line after years of testing with what they believe is the most cost-effective percentage of Quoral BR. Thus, the containers available will cover at least 80% of the more common applications, with the potential to adjust the ratio of Quoral BR/HDPE to "handle the most challenging of products."
"It's not like this hasn't been thought of before but what we do to make this work is our process," he said. "The processing is critical and, in the past, American blowmolders haven't done a good job of figuring it out."
The new FDA-compliant 20-liter Baritainer, features a brand-new design with a wider 70-mm neck, and incorporates 5% Quoral BR50. Other features include an engineered bottom seam for increased seal integrity, an enlarged handle area to accommodate large and gloved hands, and engineered "dimpled" corners for enhanced drop performance.
This recyclable 20-liter Baritainer jerrican has an actual 5.2-gallon capacity. It comes with a 70-mm tamper-evident screw cap closure (EPDM gasket) with ¾ NPT Center Reducer.
"We offer an alternative to the fluorinated process and I think that's a big win for most customers," Callahan said. "They don't have to be beholden to one particular process, and that has been issue with U.S. market."
However, bringing a new process to the North American market has not been an easy road.
"Chemical companies can be resistant to new technology so it's been difficult," he said. "Our challenge in the market is to get end users to look at this technology and show that it's more economical. I see these people talk on their iPhones, make notes on the computer, why not consider the latest technology for your product?"
Callahan said the company plans to announce partnerships in North America later this year.
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