Clear Polymer is suited for film applications.

Press Release Summary:



Topas COC (cyclic olefin copolymer) enables blown film producers to make transparent films free of gels. Topas 8007F-400 clear cyclo-olefin copolymer adheres to polyolefins, can be metallized and colored, and has inherent moisture barrier. It also features 2,500 MPa modulus and 80°C glass transition temperature. Product may be used in multilayer as discrete or COC-rich layers, or in blown films for applications such as pouches, flow-pack, lidding, and twist wrap.



Original Press Release:



Ticona Offers Second-Generation Topas® COC for Film Applications



Improved Processing Window of Topas 8007F-400 Provides Ability to Form Films Practically Free of Gels

Florence, Ky.; Kelsterbach, Germany, April 11, 2005 - Ticona, the technical polymers business of the Celanese Corporation, has enhanced its Topas COC (cyclic olefin copolymer) to give blown film producers greater processing flexibility and the ability to make highly transparent films that are practically free of gels.

The new Topas 8007F-400 is an excellent choice for multilayer films in which it may be used in discrete or COC-rich layers. In blown films, it can be used in applications such as pouches, flow-pack, lidding and twist wrap.

"Our new grade is a next-generation COC that has a much broader processing window than prior grades," says Bernd Sparenberg, Global Marketing Manager, Topas Packaging, "so processors can run it on their standard extrusion lines without any equipment modification.

"It runs well across a wide range of blown film technologies, including on more challenging lines that involve small-scale extruders or extruders with grooved feed zones. In all cases, it has significantly improved COC film quality and robustness. Anyone looking for a film with an upscale look and feel should consider this Topas COC grade given its ability to deliver clarity, moisture barrier and stiffness at an attractive price."

One of the first companies to make use of this second-generation Topas resin in blown films is Nordenia in Gronau, Germany. According to Matthias Perick at Nordenia, "the wider processing window of the new Topas grade was a key factor for the successful scale-up on our blown-film equipment."

Topas 8007F-400 is a clear cycloolefin copolymer that adheres well to polyolefins, especially linear low density polyethylene, can be metallized and colored easily, and has an inherent moisture barrier that can extend product shelf life. It also has good thermoforming characteristics, a modulus of 2,500 MPa and a glass transition temperature of 80°C.

When used in a multilayer blown film for twist wrap applications, it provides excellent stiffness, twist retention and dead fold. Such films match the performance and cost of traditional twist wrap materials, yet offer many advantages. Unlike Cellophane, they do not need a moisture barrier coating and offer overall cost benefits. Compared to polyvinyl chloride, they stretch less in wrapping, do not yellow at the twist, pose no environmental issues, and lack a plasticizer. And, versus oriented high-density polyethylene, they have better dead fold, cut easier, and do not require changes in wrapping equipment.

Topas COC complies with U.S. and EU food contact regulations. It is used in many types of packaging, including flexible films for food, pharmaceutical blisters, medical overwrap, shrink film, and medical bottles, vials and syringes.

For more information

For information on Topas 8000F-400 and other Topas COC products, contact: Ticona, 8040 Dixie Highway, Florence, KY 41042, USA. Phone: 1-800-833-4882. Email: prodinfo@ticona.com. In Europe: Ticona GmbH, Professor-Staudinger-Straße, D-65451 Kelsterbach, Germany. Phone: +49-(0)1805-842662 (DE) or +49-(0)69-305-16299 (EU). Email: infoservice@ticona.de. Or visit www.ticona.com.

About Ticona and Celanese

Ticona Technical Polymers is one of the businesses of Celanese Corporation. Ticona produces and markets a broad range of engineering polymers and achieved sales of 675 million in 2003. Ticona has approximately 2,000 employees at production, compounding and research facilities in the USA, Germany and Brazil.

The Celanese Corporation, the global holding company for the Celanese businesses, is controlled by a group of investment funds, which are advised by The Blackstone Group, a leading global investment firm. Earlier this year, a subsidiary of BCP Crystal successfully completed a voluntary public tender offer for Celanese. The global headquarters of Celanese Corporation is in Dallas, Texas.

Celanese holds worldwide leading positions in its key products and world-class process technology. The Celanese portfolio consists of four main businesses: Chemical Products, Acetate Products, Ticona Technical Polymers and Performance Products. In 2003, Celanese generated sales of around USD $4.6 billion with about 9,500 employees. Celanese has 24 production plants and six research centers in 10 countries mainly in North America, Europe and Asia.

For further information about Ticona and Celanese, please visit our websites: www.ticona.com and www.celanese.com.

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