Americhem Inc., a global provider of custom color and additive solutions for polymeric packaging, has introduced a number of packaging products geared toward satisfying the demand for more sustainable packaging solutions.

One solution is Americhem’s nCore® line of optimized chemical blowing agents. The company’s nCore products are specifically designed for molded packaging closures and containers and are said to significantly reduce the overall weight of a package.

Says Chris Miller, Americhem’s technology manager for molded products, “Packaging created with nCore blowing agents use 9 percent to 40 percent less plastic raw material than a similar package without nCore products. The lightweight packaging that results reduces shipping and handling costs.”

Americhem also creates color and additive solutions for biopolymers and is familiar with the unique attributes of leading biopolymers in use today, including polylactic acid (PLA), bio-derived polyethelene, and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Americhem can also aid in the design of products made with recycled material. For PET, Americhem offers a renewal additive that eliminates the yellow tone typically associated with recycled PET.

Natural fibers can also be incorporated into these product designs. These fibers, used as fillers, produce unique aesthetic effects in polymeric packaging. Materials such as bamboo, flax, and other fibers found in nature help produce a natural look and appeal to consumers who demand more sustainable packaging alternatives.

As with all Americhem products, each sustainable solution is customized for each customer, taking into account material use, production method, and other product variables.