BASF TPU material for static dissipative films suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres

The innovative film DUO EX-TRA of the film manufacturer DUO PLAST AG in Lauterbach, Germany, is equipped with the static dissipative polymer Elastostat®
.
This created the first stretch film suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
.
The newly developed film avoids static sparks
.
Thus, the stretched pallet unit no longer poses an explosion hazard
.

Traditional stretch film is not approved for use in explosive areas due to static electricity, and pallets must be repackaged before entering
.
The amount of work to unpack or pack incoming and outgoing goods with traditional stretch film is enormous
.
Therefore, stretch films with Elastostat® are particularly suitable for companies in the chemical industry and their suppliers, which in the future can be supplied directly to hazardous areas
.
The packaging delivery process has become more efficient, sustainability has improved and costs have been reduced
.
BASF itself is not only a raw material supplier, but also a customer and user of new packaging films
.

The secret ingredient - Elastostat®

Since 2017, BASF's development team in Lemfoerde, Germany, comprising packaging consulting, safety engineering, product development and polyurethane sales, has been working to meet the long-term demand for dissipative films
.
The team developed the solution: Elastostat®, a dissipative polymer based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), from BASF Polyurethanes in Lemfoerde, Germany
.

"It is not feasible to combine our additives with the film to improve conductivity
.
We have to achieve the required surface resistance while maintaining stretchability, while also taking into account the thickness of the film
.
" Anja, TPU Sales, BASF Oltmanns explained
.

Completely safe and sustainable packaging

The film is colored in red bands
.
As a result, packed pallets can be clearly identified visually and it can be ensured that they are used appropriately in the relevant area
.

"The blown film produced in cooperation with BASF is unique worldwide
.
As no stretch film has been approved for use in hazardous areas on the market before
.
Therefore, the film can be used for packaging in potentially explosive atmospheres (zones 1 and 2) Conductive containers in contact with the ground in the area)
.
Removal of the aluminium foil is also permitted in these areas,
" says Nina Schnitzler, Key Account Manager at DUO PLAST AG
.

In addition, the DUO EX-TRA film is equipped with the patented Duo Double Edge with enormous tension
.
The mesh structure formed during processing enables optimum load cell stability with minimal material consumption
.