Ahead of the International Converting Exhibition (ICE 2025) running from the 11th to 13th of March in Munich, Germany, Meech International is emphasising the critical role of static energy management and contamination control in advancing sustainability, urging greater awareness of their combined impact on manufacturers striving to meet their environmental goals.
Static and contamination control in sustainable packaging
To meet increasingly stringent sustainability targets, manufacturers worldwide are pushing ahead with single-material packaging solutions. The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) has accelerated the shift toward recyclable, lightweight materials such as polyethylene (PE). This transition can present a critical but often overlooked challenge: increased static buildup and contamination risks in manufacturing processes.
Material directional orientation (MDO) and new challenges
One of the most significant innovations in sustainable packaging is Material Directional Orientation (MDO) technology. By enhancing properties such as stiffness, transparency, and heat resistance, MDO allows manufacturers to reduce material usage and lower transportation costs. However, the key processes involved in MDO—heating, stretching, annealing, and cooling—generate substantial static charges, which can negatively impact production efficiency and product quality.
New research identifies possible causes of contamination
Research from Meech has identified that one of these new challenges in MDO is the build-up of powder and flakes on the material and machinery rollers thought to be derived from additives such as slip agents in the new materials, combined with the process technology. This can cause frequent stoppages, impacting output and increasing waste.
The cost of ignoring static control
The financial implications of unaddressed static buildup are considerable. A recent analysis found that a single traditional 1,200mm wide press suffered losses of £13,000 per month due to quality issues and stoppages caused by static. The amount of static and scale of loss in new material technology processing lines has the potential to be many times greater due to the increased complexity and operating speeds of the new technology.
Targeted approach to static and contamination management
To address these emerging challenges, Meech has developed a specialized solution based on its well-established VacClean technology. This system combines programmable ionisation bars with turbulent vacuum airflows through polished low-friction contact plates, effectively removing contaminants at critical points in the process. Early adoption of these targeted solutions can help manufacturers reduce stoppages, improve print quality, and enhance overall efficiency in MDO production.
Meech provides audits to assess the presence and impact of static and contamination build up, and will be exhibiting at ICE in Munich from 11 – 13 March at Stand 330 where visitors can learn more about the Meech’s research and bespoke static control solutions for new material technologies.