A high performance plastic with remarkable properties

11-Sep-13

The Perstorp Group, a world leader in specialty chemicals, will be presenting the next generation of co-polyesters at K Fair 2013. This will include Akestra™, a high performance plastic with remarkable properties. Perstorp have formed a strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical to develop and distribute this co-polyester throughout Europe. Akestra™ is not only innovative, but represents an entirely new generation of plastics. Its unique properties make it an important alternative to polycarbonate, polystyrene and glass. It is a remarkable plastic with a sparkling glass-like appearance that is sure to enhance both disposable and reusable packaging. It can be used as a polystyrene replacement for heat resistant thin wall containers, a polycarbonate replacement for durable “dishwasher proof” transparent products and a glass replacement for hot-fill food containers. The high glass transition temperature, combined with its amorphous and high strength properties make it a superior alternative in food packaging, and a material that can be easily blended with other plastics to improve their properties too. Clarity, heat resistance & high melt strength are properties that open up a wide range of design opportunities particularly in packaging. The high melt strength makes it particularly suitable for extrusion blow molding as well as extrusion foaming processes. In combination with PET, it creates a finer cell structure allowing further weight savings with superior mechanical properties in structural and packaging foam applications. When used in co-extrusion sheets for thermoforming, it bypasses polystyrene heat resistance for hot-fill applications and, by using recycled PET, it can contribute to a more sustainable packaging solution with a lower carbon footprint.