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Listed below are some of our films that have been used in typical packaging applications in different markets. Every application is different and the use of any packaging product should be rigorously tested before being used commercially. (See guidelines below.)
The market
The confectionery market is the third largest market segment in Western Europe to use polypropylene film and one of the most creative and diversified ones. Many confectionery products, particularly in the count line sector, are bought on impulse, for or by children. Purchases are spread evenly throughout the year. Over the last five years, the market has predominantly been influenced by social and lifestyle changes such as the move towards more healthy eating and health products.
The two market segments, sugar confectionery and chocolate confectionery, respectively account for 30% and 70% of sales volume. Each market segment has specific packaging requirements.
For many years ExxonMobil's active innovation process has resulted in the development of packaging films that offer effective solutions for all types of confectionery. These films include transparent, white, metallised and special coated grades, as well as twist wrapping.
Product characteristics
Sugar confectionery products are basically made of sugars (glucose, fructose, etc.) and water. These components are combined with flavours and colours to make fondant and boiled sweets or with milk solids, fat and proteins to make toffees, jellies and similar type products.
The difference between different types of confectionery depends mainly upon the water content. Hard and soft candies, for example, contain uncrystallized sugars in a very viscous solution, while in fondant sweets, sucrose is present in crystalline form, with microscopic crystals dispersed in syrup.
Causes of deterioration in quality
- Uncrystallized products gather moisture from the air because their water activity (Aw) is usually lower than that of the surrounding atmosphere. With moisture uptake, viscosity decreases very rapidly, resulting in sticky candy.
- Crystallized products tend to dry under normal storage conditions because their water activity is normally higher than that of the surrounding atmosphere. Loss of moisture leads to a decrease in volume, which can cause serious problems when the candy is chocolate coated. The reduction in volume causes separation from the shell, creating an unwanted air pocket where mould can grow.
- A third type of deterioration is changes in flavour, either through loss of the original flavour or development of unwanted flavours due to oxidation.
- All these problems can be avoided by using appropriate packaging, providing good water vapour, aroma and oxygen barriers. The packaging must be tailored to the candy.
ExxonMobil Solutions
Films currently under development are not mentioned below, but we are continuously developing new films tailored to specific applications and markets. For more information on films currently under development in this area, please click on SALES & SUPPORT in the left side bar to find your nearest representative.
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For Factsheet click here
Data sheets for our products are available for review from your browser. When you have completed your initial research, please contact your ExxonMobil representative to discuss how we may help you design the optimum solution for your flexible packaging or labeling needs. Click on SALES & SUPPORT in the left side bar to find your nearest ExxonMobil representative.
Technical data and guidelines presented on this web site are based on tests, experience and information that ExxonMobil Chemical Films believes to be reliable and helpful. The films are presented for consideration but are not intended as a recommendation for use in any particular application. It is impossible to anticipate every application for which the products may be proposed and widely varying user's processing conditions may have significant impact on performance properties. For those reasons it is important that users undertake independent testing in order to verify the suitability of any product for any particular application. Users are also encouraged to discuss potential applications with representatives of ExxonMobil Chemical Films who can consider the specific conditions that may be encountered.
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