Dow strengthens support to Malaysia’s packaging market with new silicone additive

Dow Corning HMB-6301 Masterbatch is an advanced silicone-based technology designed to address claimed drawbacks of standard slip agents. It is engineered for BOPP and PP cast films used mainly in food packaging, namely bags, wrappers, packages and pouches.

Dow Performance Silicones quotes research figures that the Asia-Pacific region represented 42 percent of global packaging demand in 2016, and is set to contribute up to 63 percent by 2020.  This growth has been fuelled by rising demand for fast-moving consumer goods among Malaysia’s strong and growing middle class. With today’s on-the-go lifestyles, many consumers also prefer smaller packaged snacks and confectionery, which accelerates packaging demand, according to a research by EuroMonitor. 

With the expanding packaging demand in the country, Dow Corning HMB-6301 Masterbatch is anticipated to help improve the performance of Malaysia’s packaging materials. Dow Performance Silicones said the product will benefit Malaysia’s BOPP film converters and processors by lowering the coefficient of friction (COF) to optimize packaging production efficiencies, and by enabling superior printing and metallization for high-quality, attractive packaging.

Van Thanh Nam, business development team leader at Dow Performance Silicones, commented: ‘BOPP film for packaging is very important to Malaysia’s economy, and is demonstrating significant growth as shown by the recent opening of major new production facilities to meet local demand. To help customers reduce harmful friction during BOPP film production – which can affect film appearance and cause interruptions – we have developed Dow Corning HMB-6301 Masterbatch. This technology surpasses conventional slip additives and enables customers to maximize film quality, consistency and productivity.’