Using Glycolic Acid-Based Polymers in the Manufacture of Films and Bottles
The pharmaceutical, food, and beverage industries depend on high-gas barrier packaging. Polyglycolic acid (PGA) polymers are among the best high-barrier polyester resins available today. They are utilized in conjunction with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to manufacture high-performing bottles and films.
Glycolic Acid Adds Strength to High Gas Barrier Performance
Because PGA is an aliphatic polyester whose small chemical structure does not include side chains, its high molecular density gives PGA a very high gas barrier property. PGA also exhibits strong physical properties including a tensile strength much higher than PLA, PET, and other commercialized packaging polymers. Some of PGA's grades have a biodegradation rate similar to cellulose; they decompose under certain conditions within one month.
High-Gas Barrier Products That Benefit from Glycolic Acid
The PGA polymer offers a high transmission barrier to oxygen, carbon dioxide, moisture, and flavor/aroma chemicals, and maintains those barrier properties even in humid environments. These properties are valuable in packaging for:
- Carbonated soft drink bottles
- Food wrap
- Pharmaceuticals
- Multi-layer/blend films and cups
The PGA barrier layer is also completely compatible with PET recycling processes; it is stripped out of the packaging resin and broken down into glycolic acid monomer, which is completely biodegradable.
