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Pregis Corp. has taken hybrid cushioning “HC” to a new level with the launch of HC Renew™. The product is a high performance, low-density polyethylene film which contains a proprietary organic additive that accelerates microbial biodegradation, without compromising recyclability. HC Renew also contains up to 10% recycled content.
Hybrid cushioning differs from traditional void-fill pillows because it features multiple smaller air chambers vs. one larger cushion. Flat, perforated rollstock is mounted onto Pregis’ AirSpeed HC unit, which creates the rows of small air-filled pockets by transferring air into the individual chambers. This creates a cushioning structure which is stronger than traditional single-cell pillows, making it suitable for more rigorous applications.
“HC Renew gives packagers one more performance-based, environmentally-friendly alternative from the Pregis arsenal,” says Jim Cochonour, business development manager, Pregis.
Unlike other films which are marketed as “environmental, or biodegradable,” HC Renew doesn’t contain any heavy metals or salts (which are found in oxo-biodegradable options.) Additionally, the product can be transported in high heat and has a longer shelf life than starch-based degradable products. HC Renew™ film is tinted green using an organic colorant to provide consumers with a visual cue.
It will not begin to biodegrade until it is disposed of in a microbe-rich environment, such as a landfill. Complete biodegradation typically occurs within one-to-five years, depending on conditions.
HC Renew™ is compliant with ASTM D5511 (determines the degree and rate of anaerobic biodegradation of plastic materials in high-solids anaerobic conditions such as landfills).
Three different cell heights are available: small (3/4-inch), medium (1-inch) and large (1 ¼-inches). The film is also available in pre-perforated lengths of 6-inches (small and medium cell sizes) or 7-inch (large cells) increments, depending on application requirements.
HC Renew is used in conjunction with Pregis’ AirSpeed HC air pillow machine. Operators can inflate hybrid cushioning on-demand, increasing efficiency and optimizing warehouse space required for other materials. The HC Renew inflatable packaging system material is ideal for void fill – top, sides and bottom, cushioning, block and brace, wrapping and packing and cushioning.
It also has significant ease-of-use benefits over other block and brace materials, especially when compared to foam-in-place (FIP). FIP can be a very messy, costly packaging option. The AirSpeed HC air pillow machine has neither of these drawbacks, producing void fill material that is cleaner and less expensive for most applications.
About Pregis:
Pregis Corporation is a leading global provider of innovative protective, flexible, and foodservice packaging and hospital supply products. The company offers packaging and product solutions for a wide variety of consumer and industrial market segments including food and foodservice, healthcare, agriculture, automotive, furniture, electronics, construction, fulfillment, catalog and military/aerospace. The specialty-packaging leader currently operates 47 facilities in 18 countries around the world. For more information about Pregis, visit www.pregis.com.
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