PEN Copolymers Get FDA Clearance.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Plastics Technology, May, 2000

Although PEN high-heat, enhanced-barrier polyester has been approved by the U.S. FDA for food contact since 1996, its uses in packaging have been limited by its high cost--currently $3.00-3.50/1b. Packaging manufacturers have been waiting for FDA approval to use more cost-effective blends and copolymers of PEN with PET.

Now, the wait is over. Last month, the FDA approved PEN copolymers from Shell Chemicals, Houston, for contact with all types of foods and for temperatures above 212 F. PEN resins have also been cleared for use in blends with PET, Shell reports. All Shell naphthalate-containing resins are covered by the clearance. These include two PET/PEN copolymers-Cleartuf Power beer-bottle resin and Hipertuf 89010 hot-fill grade-which contain less than 10%...

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