Abstract: An article, such as a polymeric film, sachet, purge control pad, or label, includes a sulfur scavenger. In some embodiments, an oxygen scavenger is also included. A method includes providing an article, including a sulfur scavenger and an oxygen scavenger; and subjecting the article to a dosage of actinic radiation effective to trigger the oxygen scavenger. A method of reducing the sulfur content of a package containing a food product includes either (1) providing a film including a layer including a zinc ionomer, and a layer including an oxygen scavenger; packaging the food product in the film; and storing the package for at least 24 hours; or (2) providing the food product at a temperature of ?40° F.; providing a film including a layer including a sulfur scavenger; packaging the food product in the film; and storing the package for at least 24 hours.

Abstract: A packaged product has an easy-open packaging article surrounding and adhering to a cooked meat product. The packaging article comprises a multilayer film having a first layer that is a seal layer which is an inside layer of the package and a second layer that bonds to the first layer with a bond strength of at least 36 grams per inch. The second layer, or a third layer with the second layer being between the first layer and the third layer, comprises a tear-enhancing component comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of an inorganic filler and an incompatible polymer blend. The layer comprising the filler and/or incompatible polymer blend allows the package to be torn open without delamination occurring between the seal layer and the tie layer.

Abstract: A die for coextruding a plurality of fluid layers generally includes a primary forming stem, one or more distribution plates, and a microlayer assembly. The microlayer assembly includes a microlayer forming stem and a plurality of microlayer distribution plates.

Abstract: A die for coextruding a plurality of fluid layers generally includes a primary forming stem, one or more distribution plates, and a microlayer assembly. The microlayer assembly includes a microlayer forming stem and a plurality of microlayer distribution plates.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to films that serve as barriers to atmospheric oxygen. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter pertains to monolayer and multilayer films wherein at least one layer of the film contains a blend of a 21 to 30 mol % ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and a 41 to 50 mol % ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. Methods of making and using the disclosed films are also provided.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a polymeric film that comprises at least one odor absorbent layer. Specifically, the odor absorbent layer can comprise polyvinylidene chloride polymer and magnesium oxide, magnesium salt, magnesium hydroxide, zeolite, or combinations thereof. The use of the disclosed film in ostomy pouches and other medical products is also described.

Abstract: A packaging article comprises a heat-shrinkable multilayer film having a first heat seal running the length of the article and a second heat seal running across the bottom of the internal volume of the article. The packaging article also comprises a skirt outward of the second heat seal, the skirt having first and second tear initiators positioned so that a superimposed straight line extending through the inward and outward ends of each tear initiator intersects a superimposed straight line extending through the ends of the first heat seal at a lesser included angle of from 25 degrees to 55 degrees, with the inward end of each the first and second tear initiators terminating at a location which is from 3 to 30 millimeters from the first heat seal and 3 to 50 millimeters from the second heat seal.

Abstract: Co-extruded multilayer packaging films suitable for packaging fluid products, showing a very good balance of mechanical, chemical and, optionally, barrier properties, good sealability, heat resistance and unexpectedly improved optical properties, a process for their manufacturing, pouches and packages obtained from them, are disclosed. These films comprise a core layer (D) comprising a polyamide; two tie layers (C), directly adhered to the opposite surfaces of the core layer; at least one intermediate layer (B), directly adhered to the opposite surface of a tie layer (C), comprising high density polyethylene; and two outer layers (A) comprising an ethylene/alpha olefin copolymer.

Abstract: A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising at least 10 microlayers, each of which has a thickness ranging from about 0.001 to 0.015 mil. The ratio of the thickness of any of the microlayers to the thickness of the bulk layer is at least about 1:2. The film has a total free shrink (ASTM D2732-03) of at least about 10% at 200° F.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to multilayer films that are suitable for the packaging and administration of medical solutions in the form of flexible pouches. Particularly, the disclosed films comprise two outer layers and a core layer, wherein each layer comprises about 100% by weight polyolefin, based on the total weight of the layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an easy opening packaging article, such as an end-seal bag or the like, having a tear initiator and one or more grip assisters. According to various embodiments, the tear initiator and grip assisters are configured to assist a user in opening the packaging article. In particular, the grip assisters are configured to reduce the likelihood that a loose piece of plastic is generated during the opening process, and to reduce the likelihood that undesired tears in the packaging article are generated during the opening process.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a vacuum skin package where the lower support member is formed in a suitably selected shape which process comprises feeding a flat lower web (3) of thermoplastic material with the product (6) to be packaged loaded thereon and an upper thermoplastic web (27), to a vacuum chamber (8) for skin packaging that comprises an upper element (9) comprising a heated upper concavity (11) and a lower element (10) comprising a female vacuum forming mould (16) suitably shaped to match the desired shape for the support member of the end package, closing the vacuum chamber (8) and drawing the upper web (27) toward the upper concavity (11) by differential pressure; evacuating air or gases from the space between the lower web (3) and the upper web (27), in the closed vacuum chamber (8), while maintaining the vacuum from above the upper web and from below the lower supporting web; and reintroducing air from above the upper film, thus moving the heated upper web (27) against the product (6) and the

Abstract: A film is provided, and in particular, a film having at least one gas barrier layer that comprises a noise-dampening polymer resin and of a polyglycolic acid resin. The polyglycolic-based films provide excellent gas barrier properties while maintaining a desirable level of softness and low noise making them ideal for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: A coextruded multilayer film includes a core layer including an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer; two intermediate layers each including a blend of an amorphous polyamide having a glass transition temperature of at least 80° C., and a semicrystalline polyamide; two outer layers each including an olefinic polymer; and two tie layers each adhering an intermediate layer to a respective outer layer; wherein the film exhibits an elongation at yield (ASTM D 882) of less than 15% in each of the longitudinal and transverse directions, and a free shrink (ASTM D 2732) at 200° F. of less than 8% in each of the longitudinal and transverse directions. An aseptic package includes a sterilized food product, and a sterilized pouch in which the sterilized food product is disposed, the sterilized pouch including the coextruded multilayer film of the invention. A method of making an aseptic package is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aseptic packaging system includes a film unwind device; a fitment feed device for feeding a plurality of fitments; an apparatus for attaching each of the fitments to the film; an assembly for sterilizing the film and each of the fitments; an assembly for drying the film and each of the fitments; and a vertical form/fill seal apparatus for making packages from the sterilized film and each of the sterilized fitments, each package comprising a pouch comprising a first and second transverse seal, a first and second fold, an interior and exterior surface, and a longitudinal seal; and a sterilized internal fitment sealed to the sterilized interior surface of the pouch; and a sterilized product disposed in the pouch. An aseptic process and package are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coextruded multilayer film includes a core layer including a polyamide; two intermediate layers each including an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer; a first and second outer layer each including an olefinic copolymer or an amorphous cyclic olefin copolymer; and two tie layers each adhering an intermediate layer to a respective outer layer; the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer of the first intermediate layer having a mole % ethylene at least 5 greater than the mole % ethylene of the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer of the second intermediate layer An aseptic package includes a sterilized food product, and a sterilized pouch in which the sterilized food product is disposed, the sterilized pouch including the film of the invention. A method of making an aseptic package is also disclosed.

Abstract: An additive delivery laminate, suitable for cooking a food product and transferring a colorant, flavorant, and/or odorant to a food product, has an additive delivery layer comprising a thermoplastic layer and water-soluble granules containing a food additive. The laminate further comprises a substrate layer to which the additive delivery layer is bonded. The additive delivery layer is placed in contact with the food product to be packaged, with the granules thereafter dissolving and the additive being transferred to the food product. The additive can be transferred during cook-in or otherwise. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the additive delivery laminate and a process for preparing a packaged food product.

Abstract: An aseptic packaging system includes a film unwind device; a fitment feed device for feeding a plurality of fitments; an apparatus for attaching each of the fitments to a second surface of the film; an assembly for sterilizing the film and optionally each of the fitments; an assembly for drying the film and optionally each of the fitments; and a vertical form/fill seal apparatus for making packages from the sterilized film and each of the fitments, each package comprising a pouch comprising a first and second transverse seal, a first and second fold, an interior and exterior surface, and a longitudinal seal; and an external fitment sealed to the exterior surface of the pouch; and a sterilized product disposed in the pouch. An aseptic process and package are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking food, such as meat, protein, vegetable, or soup is disclosed. In one embodiment, the food items are supplied in a flexible polymer package that can withstand the temperature needed to cook the item. The cooking apparatus has two cooking surfaces in the form of heated platens, which may be arranged in a vertical orientation. These platens come together to simultaneously contact both sides of the food item. The cooking apparatus further includes a controller, configured to prepare the food using various control system algorithms. The apparatus cooks the food item from both sides to affect rapid and even cooking. It uses a combination of temperature, time, food thickness, platen force and a cooking code that is unique for each food type. The control system algorithm uses some or all of these parameters to determine precisely when the food item is cooked correctly.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an ostomy pouch comprising at least one absorbent material housed within the interior of the pouch. Specifically, the absorbent materials are contained within a sachet that includes at least one of the following: a frangible seal, a porous film, or a fluid-permeable film. In use, as fluid enters the interior of the ostomy pouch and contacts the sachet, the porous film and/or the frangible seal weakens to allow fluid to enter the sachet and contact the absorbent material housed within. Alternatively or in addition, in embodiments wherein the sachet includes a fluid-permeable film, fluid directly enters the interior of the sachet. As a result, the absorbent material expands and ruptures the frangible seal and/or the sachet, thereby releasing the absorbent material into the interior of the pouch for full absorption of the fluid.