Transparent NORYL Resin Offers Visibility for Microwave Packaging

Intended to meet the needs of the ever-growing microwave packaging industry, GE Plastics (Pittsfield, MA) has unveiled its new transparent NORYL resin, which allows users to see inside the food package while it is cooking. The first product in the portfolio of transparent polyphenylene oxide (PPO) NORYL resins, PKN4766, will be targeted toward foodservice carryout containers.

"As the first resin of its kind, NORYL PKN4766 resin delivers a number of characteristics that make it a strong candidate for the microwave packaging industry," says Kristie Dolan, GE Plastics' NORYL Product Commercialization Leader. "These include the ability to see the food inside, high heat resistance, high flow, chemical resistance, low odor, and FDA approval."

Dolan added that NORYL PKN4766 resin "provides a high-performance alternative to OPS and a lower-cost alternative to polypropylene."

The new resin represents the first of GE Plastics' Transparent NORYL resin portfolio to be introduced this year. The portfolio is expected to include resins engineered for applications across a variety of industries including consumer electronics, telecommunications, floor care, printer accessories and others.

Following Trends
Recent trends in the packaging industry convincingly demonstrate the need for a product such as NORYL PKN4766 resin, which provides product visibility and microwave-heat resistance. It has been determined that Americans want to spend no more than 15 minutes preparing a meal, and dual-income households continue to increase. Thus, more people have less time to prepare meals and are turning to ready-made foods that are frozen, refrigerated or ready-to-eat, driving the need for takeout packaging with convenient in-home reheatability.

GE Plastics reports that DeSter.ACS, a custom manufacturer of food delivery systems, is using NORYL PKN4766 resin for the transparent top in its microwaveable hinged container and PKN 4765 resin for the black bottom tray. John Squire, DeSter's director of marketing and development, comments, "This is the industry's first microwaveable polystyrene packaging, and it has been very well received in the marketplace. It has allowed us to address the market's needs for aesthetics, convenience and affordability very successfully."

The new NORYL resin, reports GE Plastics, can be dropped into existing OPS, HIPS or PET tooling.

For more information: GE Plastics Packaging, Tel: 800-845-0600 ext. 589.

Edited by Bill Noone