The Challenge
PVC films for food packaging, such as confectionery, snacks, and pet foods, must deliver consistent appearance, printability, and mechanical durability. Traditionally, tin-based stabilizers have been used to achieve the required film performance. However, tin systems present multiple challenges, including higher formulation cost, plateout, gel formation, increased scrap, and restrictions related to food-contact safety and regulatory compliance. In addition, tin compounds can accelerate equipment corrosion and create long-term stability concerns. The industry is seeking a safer and more efficient alternative that maintains film quality while improving processing and reducing costs.
The Solution
ALCAMIZER™ 1, a hydrotalcite-based technology, replaces tin stabilizers in PVC food packaging films while providing high transparency thanks to its refractive index similar to PVC, and low yellowing.
Minipak, a leading Colombian company in food packaging films, adopted ALCAMIZER™ 1 to produce translucent, metallized, and printable white films, maintaining both optical and thermal stability.
A practical example is the candy lollipop packaging, which uses ALCAMIZER™ 1 in the films to combine cost efficiency, reliable production, and a safer profile for food contact due to lower migration risk compared to tin.
The Outcome
Packaging producers using ALCAMIZER™ 1 in place of tin benefit from:
Lower formulation cost through partial tin replacement.
Improved efficiency with less plateout, fewer line stops, and reduced scrap.
Enhanced processing stability, enabling higher operating temperatures with fewer gels.
Reliable film performance with strong printability and anti-block properties.
Regulatory and environmental advantages, reducing exposure to organotin restrictions and aligning with heavy-metal-free and recyclable formulations.
By replacing part of the tin stabilizers with ALCAMIZER™ 1, Minipak successfully delivered cost-effective, safe, and high-performing food packaging across multiple applications while achieving greater sustainability and process robustness.
