Enhancing Packaging Film Production Sustainability With Vaisala Measurement Instruments
Application Note

Enhancing Packaging Film Production Sustainability With Vaisala Measurement Instruments

By 21/08/2023August 24th, 2023No Comments

Eco-Friendly Packaging Solution

Reducing Waste & Carbon Footprint

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impact of plastic waste, industries are striving to adopt sustainable practices that extend beyond traditional packaging materials. In the realm of packaging innovation, cellulose packaging films have emerged as a promising solution to address ecological concerns while maintaining product integrity. The packaging industry, recognizing its role in minimizing carbon footprint and embracing eco-friendly alternatives, has paved the way for cellulose films to revolutionize the way products are packaged and presented. The significance of sustainable packaging and the adoption of cellulose films lies not only in their positive impact on the environment but also in their capacity to influence consumer perception and foster business success.

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impact of plastic waste, industries are striving to adopt sustainable practices that extend beyond traditional packaging materials. In the realm of packaging innovation, cellulose packaging films have emerged as a promising solution to address ecological concerns while maintaining product integrity. The packaging industry, recognizing its role in minimizing carbon footprint and embracing eco-friendly alternatives, has paved the way for cellulose films to revolutionize the way products are packaged and presented. The significance of sustainable packaging and the adoption of cellulose films lies not only in their positive impact on the environment but also in their capacity to influence consumer perception and foster business success.

Packaging manufacturers are recognizing the need to embrace eco-friendly solutions that resonate with the growing eco-conscious consumer base. However, as the packaging landscape evolves, accurate measurement instruments become indispensable in ensuring the quality, efficacy, and viability of these sustainable packaging solutions.

Dpstar’s Expertise & Comprehensive Solutions

At Dpstar, we are proud to be at the forefront of facilitating this transition to eco-friendly packaging through our expertise and cutting-edge solutions. With over 30 years of experience in the field, we understand the challenges faced by packaging manufacturers in meeting sustainability goals without compromising product quality. One of our key offerings that have made a significant impact in the industry is the Vaisala HUMICAP® range of measurement instruments. These instruments are designed to address the precise needs of packaging manufacturers seeking accurate measurements and insights for eco-friendly packaging solutions. The Vaisala HUMICAP® measurement instruments encompass a wide array of advanced technologies tailored to the unique requirements of the packaging industry.

By partnering with Dpstar and utilizing Vaisala HUMICAP® measurement instruments, packaging manufacturers can seamlessly transition to eco-friendly solutions that align with their sustainability goals. Our comprehensive range of solutions not only empowers manufacturers with accurate measurements but also contributes to minimizing waste and carbon footprint within the packaging industry. In our commitment to a greener future, Dpstar remains dedicated to driving innovation, fostering sustainability, and providing the tools that enable the packaging industry to thrive in an environmentally responsible manner. In this article, we explore the key measurement instruments utilized by manufacturers in their pursuit of eco-friendly packaging.

What are Cellulose Packaging Films?

Cellulose packaging films represent an innovative shift in sustainable packaging solutions. Composed primarily of renewable plant-based cellulose fibers, these films are biodegradable, compostable, and inherently eco-friendly. Unlike conventional materials, cellulose films naturally decompose, reducing environmental impact and waste accumulation. Their renewable sourcing offers a greener alternative, minimizing resource depletion and contributing to a circular economy. Embracing cellulose packaging films enables industries to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt a responsible packaging approach, aligning with the global drive for ecological preservation.

Challenges in Cellulose Film Production

Ensuring Quality & Moisture Control

Producing these eco-friendly alternatives demands a meticulous approach to overcome unique obstacles and ensure optimal quality. These challenges highlight the intricacies involved in producing cellulose packaging films and the importance of precise moisture and humidity control to ensure product quality, performance, and sustainability.

Moisture Sensitivity

Cellulose films are sensitive to moisture fluctuations during production, affecting their mechanical properties and overall performance.

Uniform Drying

Achieving uniform moisture removal during drying is challenging, leading to uneven film thickness and potential quality issues.

Dimensional Stability

Moisture content variations can lead to dimensional changes in cellulose films, impacting their fit and functionality.

Moisture Sensitivity

Cellulose films are sensitive to moisture fluctuations during production, affecting their mechanical properties and overall performance.

Uniform Drying

Achieving uniform moisture removal during drying is challenging, leading to uneven film thickness and potential quality issues.

Dimensional Stability

Moisture content variations can lead to dimensional changes in cellulose films, impacting their fit and functionality.

Barrier Performance

Inconsistent moisture levels may compromise the barrier properties of cellulose films, affecting their ability to protect contents.

Film Homogeneity

Maintaining a consistent moisture profile is crucial for ensuring uniformity in film composition and minimizing defects.

Final Product Quality

Fluctuating moisture content can influence the transparency, strength, and shelf life of cellulose packaging films.

Barrier Performance

Inconsistent moisture levels may compromise the barrier properties of cellulose films, affecting their ability to protect contents.

Film Homogeneity

Maintaining a consistent moisture profile is crucial for ensuring uniformity in film composition and minimizing defects.

Final Product Quality

Fluctuating moisture content can influence the transparency, strength, and shelf life of cellulose packaging films.

Importance of Accurate Temperature & Humidity Control

In the realm of cellulose film production, the role of precise temperature and humidity control cannot be overstated. Throughout the intricate processes of drying and storage, maintaining optimal environmental conditions is paramount to ensure the integrity, quality, and performance of cellulose packaging films. Here’s why accurate temperature and humidity measurement are indispensable:

Optimal Drying Conditions

Cellulose films undergo a critical drying phase where excess moisture is removed. Precise humidity control prevents under-drying or over-drying, preserving the mechanical strength and barrier properties of the film.

Physical Properties

Temperature and humidity directly influence cellulose film properties, such as tensile strength, flexibility, and dimensional stability. Fine-tuning these parameters ensures consistent physical characteristics across batches.

Prevention of Defects

Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can lead to defects like warping, curling, or uneven thickness. Precise control minimizes such defects, ensuring uniformity across the film.

Reduced Waste

Optimal conditions prevent variations in film quality that may necessitate discarding imperfect batches. Accurate measurement minimizes waste and enhances resource efficiency.

Optimal Drying Conditions

Cellulose films undergo a critical drying phase where excess moisture is removed. Precise humidity control prevents under-drying or over-drying, preserving the mechanical strength and barrier properties of the film.

Physical Properties

Temperature and humidity directly influence cellulose film properties, such as tensile strength, flexibility, and dimensional stability. Fine-tuning these parameters ensures consistent physical characteristics across batches.

Prevention of Defects

Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can lead to defects like warping, curling, or uneven thickness. Precise control minimizes such defects, ensuring uniformity across the film.

Reduced Waste

Optimal conditions prevent variations in film quality that may necessitate discarding imperfect batches. Accurate measurement minimizes waste and enhances resource efficiency.

Sustainable Packaging

Consistent conditions yield cellulose films with desired properties, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions that align with consumer preferences.

Preventing Microbial Growth

Proper humidity control mitigates the risk of microbial growth and degradation, enhancing film hygiene and product safety.

Storage Stability

Humidity regulation during storage prevents moisture-related deterioration, maintaining film structural integrity and overall packaging effectiveness.

Long-Term Stability

Proper humidity control over extended periods of time helps safeguard the film’s robustness, preserving its structural integrity and mechanical properties. 

Sustainable Packaging

Consistent conditions yield cellulose films with desired properties, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions that align with consumer preferences.

Preventing Microbial Growth

Proper humidity control mitigates the risk of microbial growth and degradation, enhancing film hygiene and product safety.

Storage Stability

Humidity regulation during storage prevents moisture-related deterioration, maintaining film structural integrity and overall packaging effectiveness.

Long-Term Stability

Proper humidity control over extended periods of time helps safeguard the film’s robustness, preserving its structural integrity and mechanical properties. 

Case Study

Elevating Sustainability in Packaging | Precise Measurement Integration

Through the seamless integration of accurate measurement instruments, the manufacturer achieved a pivotal milestone in its pursuit of eco-friendly packaging solutions, reducing waste, optimizing quality, and fostering a greener future for the packaging industry. Our client is a Packaging Film Manufacturer deeply committed to embracing sustainable practices in their cellulose film production process. Driven by the vision of offering eco-friendly packaging solutions, they sought to navigate the intricate demands of maintaining consistent quality and optimal moisture content. With cellulose packaging films at the core of their mission, they recognized the need for highly accurate temperature and humidity measurement throughout production and storage.

Customer Pain Points

Our client faced complex challenges intrinsic to cellulose film production. The volatility of moisture levels during the drying process posed a hurdle to achieving uniform film properties. Moreover, their coating towers, housing highly flammable solvents, demanded instrumentation that adhered to strict safety regulations without compromising accuracy. Ensuring the ideal humidity levels for different film types emerged as a critical concern, given moisture’s pivotal role in the final film’s attributes.

Solution

By seamlessly integrating Vaisala’s cutting-edge measurement solutions into each phase, our client achieves meticulous control over temperature and humidity. This leads to enhanced film quality, reduced waste, and substantial progress toward their commitment to sustainable cellulose film production.

1

Film Drying Process

During the intricate film drying phase, maintaining consistent moisture levels is paramount. Our client integrates Vaisala HUMICAP® Humidity and Temperature Transmitters HMT360, subsequently upgraded to the ATEX-certified HMT370EX within their coating towers and conditioners. These instruments ensure that optimal humidity is upheld, even in areas housing highly flammable solvents. The ATEX-certified HMT370EX transmitters provide intrinsic safety, a critical feature for hazardous environments.
2

Storage of Finished Products

Preserving the durability and excellence of completed cellulose films demands meticulous storage conditions. Vaisala's advanced measurement instruments remain indispensable, upholding optimal temperature and humidity levels, and securing the integrity of the end products. Vaisala's HUMICAP® Humidity and Temperature Transmitters, strategically positioned within the storage facility, vigilantly monitor ambient conditions. These instruments ensure that cellulose films are shielded from fluctuations in temperature and humidity, safeguarding their quality and extending their shelf life.
3

Casting Machine Operation

In the casting machine process, precision in temperature and humidity control remains vital. Vaisala's HUMICAP® Humidity and Temperature Meter Series HMT330 is deployed in dryer ducting. These instruments enable real-time monitoring and control over steam input, ensuring specific moisture levels are achieved for each film type.
4

Future-Proofing Measurement Capabilities

Our client sought to enhance their measurement infrastructure. The versatile Indigo520, with its touchscreen interface and compatibility with existing probes, was adopted. This innovation empowers our client with a state-of-the-art monitoring system, ensuring accurate and adaptable measurements.

Customer Benefits

By using Vaisala measurement instruments in their manufacturing process, our client enjoy the following benefits:

Accurate Control Of The Production Process

Consistent Product Quality

Customer Benefits

By using Vaisala measurement instruments in their manufacturing process, our client enjoy the following benefits:

Accurate Control Of The Production Process

Consistent Product Quality

The peace of mind that comes with proven and reliable solutions

Trusted Service & Support From Solution Experts

Reducing material wastage and aligning with our client’s sustainability goals.

Our Product Solutions

Intrinsically Safe Humidity & Temperature Transmitter Series HMT370EX

The intrinsically safe HMT370EX is the ideal solution for use in hazardous areas up to zone 0 and 20.

Indigo500 Series Transmitters

The Vaisala Indigo500 series transmitters are host devices for Vaisala Indigo-compatible, stand-alone smart probes. The Indigo500 series include multi-functional Indigo520 transmitter and Indigo510 transmitter with basic features.

Relative Humidity & Temperature Probe HMP5

Vaisala HUMICAP® Humidity and Temperature Probe HMP5 is designed for high-temperature applications such as baking ovens, pasta dryers, ceramics, and industrial drying kilns where measurement performance and chemical tolerance are essential.

Intrinsically Safe Humidity & Temperature Transmitter Series HMT370EX

The intrinsically safe HMT370EX is the ideal solution for use in hazardous areas up to zone 0 and 20.

Indigo500 Series Transmitters

The Vaisala Indigo500 series transmitters are host devices for Vaisala Indigo-compatible, stand-alone smart probes. The Indigo500 series include multi-functional Indigo520 transmitter and Indigo510 transmitter with basic features.

Relative Humidity & Temperature Probe HMP5

Vaisala HUMICAP® Humidity and Temperature Probe HMP5 is designed for high-temperature applications such as baking ovens, pasta dryers, ceramics, and industrial drying kilns where measurement performance and chemical tolerance are essential.

Empowering Sustainability & Efficiency for a Green Future

Dpstar is dedicated to facilitating the transition towards sustainable packaging solutions. Our Vaisala HUMICAP® measurement instruments empower packaging manufacturers to make informed decisions, optimize processes, and contribute to waste reduction and carbon footprint reduction. With our expertise and comprehensive solutions, we are dedicated to leading the way towards a greener and more environmentally responsible future for the packaging industry.

Get In Touch With Our Experts Today!

Dpstar Group
No 35, Jalan OP ½, Pusat Perdagangan One Puchong,
Off Jalan Puchong, 47160 Puchong,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Email: [email protected]

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