Optimet is a vacuum metalliser and specialty coater of paper, cartonboard and film using a process application of polymer acrylate coatings.
The unique coating process is based on proprietary technology.
It utilises electron beams to cure the coatings, providing a premium product with superior performance and the highest gloss and metallised levels.
This innovative process eliminates solvents, and removes the use of foil and polyester in premium packaging products.
In addition to offering superior product performance, these environmental benefits provide the end customers a potential solution to delivering reductions to the waste stream required under the National Packaging Covenant.
Electron Beam (EB) radiation is a method of drying via ‘energy curing’ a coating that has considerable advantages over conventional thermal energy used by other metallising companies. These advantages can be seen from the cradle to grave of an EB cured product.
The benefits of this process are:
- Elimination of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions
- Elimination of Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAPS) emissions
- Very rapid Cure at ambient temperatures
- Low Energy Consumption (25% of the conventional process of manufacture)
- Once applied to a surface, the EB system imparts superior properties in whatever application and market it is applied in.
Together with Optimet’s metallisation process and subsequent product sale into the packaging and industrial markets, these advantages can be considered as:
1. Superior Aesthetics
2. Superior chemical resistance
3. Superior mechanical resistance
4. Consistent Product — the curing conversion is approximately 100%, thus leaving minimal chance for any migration of uncured material through the coating.
All of Optimet’s metallised paper is made using an electron beam unit to cure and crosslink the chemical coatings.
The materials used also provide chemical resistance and hard surfaces to control scratching and improve water resistance, particularly in cold beverage applications.
Fundamentally, the technology for the manufacture of metallised cartonboard is the same as metallised paper, however, the technology has undergone further development to address differentiated market performance characteristics.
This product was awarded the 2004 Gold Award, Australian National Packaging Awards — Environmental, for its contribution to supporting companies achieve their National Packaging Covenant objectives.
A core value of Optimet is our commitment to improving environmental standards in the packaging and label markets on all of our paper based products.
At the manufacturing stage, our commitment can be measured by the benefits referred to previously. At the retail consumer stage, Optimet’s commitment to the environment can be measured:
- Recyclable at a paper mill
- Removal of non-recyclable polyester films
- Removal of non-recyclable laminated aluminium foils
Electron Beam Curing utilises synthetic chemicals at 100% solids, meaning that the same amount of liquid applied before the curing process is the same amount remaining after the process. Optimet has an impressive in-house research and development capability.
We have a fully equipped specialist laboratory where our experienced chemists and engineers develop new products and solutions for customers.
Our unique proprietary technology provides a premium product with superior performance and the highest gloss and metallised levels that can be developed to suit your application.
Optimum Metallising Pty. Limited (Optimet) is proudly a privately owned Australian company that commenced operating in 1985. Optimet has its head office and manufacturing operations facility located at King’s Park, Sydney, New South Wales.
More information from 02 9831 1200 or TonyJ@optimet.com.au
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