Heat Seal Coatings: Ensuring Product Safety and Quality

What are Heat Seal Coverings?

Heat Seal Coverings are specifically formulated coating types that are applied to packaging substrates like films, foils and paperboards. When two surfaces with Heat Seal Coverings come in contact under the application of heat and pressure, they form a strong hermetic seal. This seals the packaged product inside and prevents leakage, spoilage or contamination.

Types of Heat Seal Coverings

There are different types of Heat Seal Coatings available depending on the substrate material and end use application:

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Coatings

Heat Seal Coatings are the most commonly used conventional Heat Seal Coverings type. They can be easily applied to substrates like polypropylene films using processes like corona treatment, flame treatment, etc. LDPE coatings melt at relatively low temperatures ranging from 80°C to 150°C, forming strong seals quickly. They are suitable for packaging food, confectionery, pharmaceutical and various industrial products.

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Coatings

EVA coatings have excellent hot tack, seal strength and puncture resistance properties. They need higher sealing temperatures between 120°C to 180°C but form durable seals. EVA coatings are used for packaging items like snacks, frozen food, medical devices, etc. that require high-strength seals impermeable to air and moisture.

Polypropylene (PP) Coatings

PP coatings offer high heat resistance at temperatures up to 210°C without melting or softening. They are suitable for applications like retort packaging where the product is sterilized under high heat and pressure. PP coatings provide peel-proof and hermetic seals ideal for sauces, pet food, baby food and other retortable products.

Solvent-Based Acrylic Coatings

Acrylic coatings are solvent-based and can be easily applied to porous substrates like paper and paperboards using conventional coating methods. They melt between 90°C to 130°C and are used for packaging coffee, tea, frozen foods and other moisture-sensitive products packaged using substrates like coated paper.

Water-Based Dispersion Coatings

These are environment-friendly water-based coatings that can be applied to solvent-sensitive substrates like bioplastics films. They have similar heat sealing properties as solvent-based coatings but without the use of harmful VOCs. Dispersion coatings are finding increasing usage in food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods packaging.

Key Properties of Heat Seal Coatings

For effective packaging and optimum performance, Heat Seal Coverings must possess certain key properties:

Adequate Sealing Temperature Range

The coating should melt and form seals within the optimal temperature range suitable for the packaged product and production line speed without causing damage.

High Seal Strength

The seals formed should have adequate cohesive strength to withstand stresses of transportation, stacking, filling, capping/closing, etc. without failure.

Seal Integrity

The seal should not allow leakage or seepage of contents, gases or moisture over the shelf life of the packaged product.

Hot Tack Strength

The sticking/adhesion of seal interface immediately after sealing improves packaging efficiency on high-speed lines by preventing production of poor seals.

Solvent/Water Resistance

The sealed packs should withstand exposure to solvents, moisture, etc. without delamination of seals over the product lifetime.

Chemical Resistance

Coatings must maintain sealing integrity on exposure to chemicals present in packaged products like oils, acids, alkalis, etc.

Applications of Heat Seal Coatings
Based on the types of substrates and coatings used, heat sealed packaging finds extensive usage across various industries:

Food Packaging
Films, pouches, lids, etc. with Heat Seal Coverings ensure shelf life and safety of items like snacks, breakfast cereals, coffee, sauces, frozen foods and pet foods.

Pharmaceutical Packaging
Heat sealed blister packs, strip packs, sachets and bottles effectively package medicines, medical devices and supplements maintaining sterility.

Heat seals on tubes, bags, wrappers reliably package adhesives, sealants, lubricants, industrial chemicals preventing spillage and tampering.

Consumer Goods Packaging
Everything from toys to electronics to household goods utilize effective heat sealed packaging for distribution and retail displays.

Thus Heat Seal Coatings play a vital role in producing high-quality leak-proof packaging for preserving and extending the shelf life of a wide range of products across multiple industries globally. Proper selection of coating type and stringent quality controls ensure product and consumer safety.
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About Author:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163