German nylon film specialist MF Folien GmbH has developed a new polyamide film made from Royal DSM’s bio-based EcoPaXX polyamide 410.

MF Folien has been DSM’s development partner for EcoPaXX film.

In 2011, the company was the first to create samples of 30 micron cast film from EcoPaXX, exhibiting the same high quality maintained by MF Folien. Samples of these films are available in various thicknesses of 30, 40 and 50 microns. Potential application areas are in flexible food packaging, building & construction, medical, aviation and shipping.

EcoPaXX polyamide 410 films are strong and transparent with a high puncture resistance and a reduced moisture transmission rate compared to polyamide 6 film, as well as a comparable oxygen barrier. The oxygen barrier of polyamide 410 is even higher when fully wet, according to DSM.

Recently, three grades of EcoPaXX were given the “Certified Biobased Product” label, awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These labels certify a proven bio-based content of around 70%. The bio-based content of EcoPaXX polyamide 410 are derived from castor oil obtained from tropical plants, and which are not used for food products. The carbon dioxide, which is generated during the production process of the polymer, is fully compensated by the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed in the growth phase of the castor beans.