DuPont Teijin Films (www.dupontteijinfilms.com) has added a class of flame-retardant PET films to its portfolio. The new films in the "Melinex" FR2XX series are halogen-free, clear and have a VTM-0 flammability rating, which is certified by Underwriters Laboratories' (UL, Northbrook, Illinois / USA; www.ul.com) UL 94 flame classification testing.

The polyester films company says forecasts are predicting the use of flame-retardant polymers to grow at over 7% per year. This will be driven by more stringent fire safety requirements in industries such as construction and automotive. DuPont Teijin notes that most PET polyester films are known for physical durability, chemical resistance and low water absorption, but have flame classification ratings at only the VTM-2 level. The new films provide "improved safety at low cost" and are targeted to the transportation, construction, electronics and labels sectors.

The company has European manufacturing sites in Luxembourg and Dumfries / UK, along with a "Global Innovation Centre" in Teesside / UK. DuPont Teijin Films is a 50:50 joint venture between chemicals producer Teijin (Tokyo / Japan; www.teijin.co.jp/english) and US giant DowDuPont (www.dow-dupont.com), and will soon be taken over by Thai PET producer Indorama Ventures (IVL, Bangkok; www.indoramaventures.com) – see Plasteurope.com of 13.10.2017. The transaction is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2018.