Course Title: Suitable Raw Materials in Flexible Packaging

    Course Duration:

    • Total Duration: 2 Days

    • Daily Duration: 6 hours per day

    • Format: Combination of PowerPoint presentations, interactive discussions, case studies, and group work.

    Course Objectives:

    • Understand the various raw materials used in flexible packaging and their classifications.

    • Explore material characteristics and their impact on packaging performance.

    • Learn the criteria for selecting raw materials for specific packaging applications (e.g., food, pharma).

    • Gain insights into environmental impacts and sustainability issues related to material usage.

    • Develop the ability to make informed material choices based on product requirements and industry regulations.

    Target Audience:

    • Packaging industry professionals (technical, R&D, production).

    • Material procurement and sourcing teams.

    • QA/QC professionals involved in materials evaluation.

    • Sales & marketing teams handling packaging solutions.

    • New entrants looking to specialize in packaging raw materials.

    Day 1: Foundations of Raw Materials in Flexible Packaging

    1. Introduction to Flexible Packaging & Raw Material Importance:

      • Overview of flexible packaging applications.

      • Importance of raw materials in determining package performance.

    2. Types of Raw Materials Used in Flexible Packaging:

      • Polyethylene (PE): LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE.

      • Polypropylene (BOPP, CPP).

      • Polyester (PET), Metallized PET (MPET).

      • Nylon, EVOH, PVC, and specialty barrier materials.

      • Aluminum foil and metalized layers.

      • Inks, adhesives (solvent/solventless), and coatings.

    3. Material Properties and Functional Roles:

      • Mechanical: strength, flexibility, puncture resistance.

      • Barrier: moisture, oxygen, aroma, UV.

      • Heat-sealability and printability.

      • Migration and food safety compliance.

    4. Sourcing and Material Selection Criteria:

      • Key suppliers and sourcing methods.

      • Factors influencing material selection: cost, availability, lead time.

      • Certification and regulatory compliance (FDA, EU, BSTI, etc.).

    Day 2: Application, Compatibility & Sustainability

    1. Material Application Based on Product Type:

      • Food (dry, frozen, oil-rich, acidic, etc.)

      • Pharmaceuticals (sterile, moisture-sensitive).

      • Consumer and industrial goods.

      • Case study: choosing materials for chips, juice, and detergent pouches.

    2. Material Compatibility and Multi-Layer Compositions:

      • Common laminate structures (2-layer, 3-layer, 4-layer).

      • Adhesion compatibility between layers.

      • Role of tie layers and barrier layers.

    3. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations:

      • Recyclability and biodegradable options.

      • Life cycle analysis of packaging materials.

      • Challenges in replacing multi-layer plastics.

      • Bangladesh regulations and global sustainability initiatives.

    4. Final Group Activity and Assessment:

      • Teams develop material structures for a selected product.

      • Consider performance, cost, and sustainability.

      • Presentation and feedback from instructor.

    Course Materials:

    • Course handbook on flexible packaging raw materials.

    • Material datasheets and sample swatches.

    • Regulatory reference documents.

    • Case studies and industry applications.

    • Assessment worksheets and feedback forms.

    Evaluation and Feedback:

    • Daily quizzes and session recaps.

    • Group activity with performance evaluation.

    • Participant and instructor feedback collection.