Packaging editor Mary Ann Falkman recently reported on new trends in induction liners as presented by BJ Radek of Selig Sealing Products. The presentation was part of a webinar titled The Future of Induction Sealing.

Mary Ann reported on three key topics:

“Sustainability initiatives encourage the ongoing move from glass packaging to biopolymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP), says Radek. While hot fill, pasteurization, retort and aseptic processes present some induction sealing challenges, companies are successfully integrating induction sealing as part of their conversions. Recent examples include Kraft Mayo and Kraft Maxwell House instant coffee, both of which utilize foil innerseals.

 The need to thwart counterfeiting, especially in the pharmaceutical market, is an urgent undertaking, with induction seals playing a significant role, says Radek. Solutions include etched or engraved foil, color-shifting inks, micro-printing, printed or electronic (RFID) codes, custom colors and tagents (inks with DNA added).

Radek says the two aspects affecting induction sealing worldwide are sustainability and new two-piece waxless innerseals.  Lightweighting of containers –and also of the liners themselves – is a trend.  Selig’s new Lift’n’Peel™ R liner has the capability to be separated and recycled in the PET bottle recycling process in Europe and has the potential to be recycled globally.  Radek describes the waxless two-piece innerseal as an exciting development since it is robust, yet fragile enough to separate when the closure is removed.”

The webinar was moderated by Packaging Hall of Famer Ben Miyares and Ryan Scheulke of Enercon Industries Corporation also presented.