PP*Star bags: Starlinger unveils its last machine concept

At Chinaplas exhibition in Shanghai (China), Starlinger is presenting its newly developed PP*STAR technology for manufacturing pinch-bottom bags from polypropylene tape fabric.

Unlike the previous production method, the new pp*starKON X pinch-bottomer developed by Austrian machine manufacturer Starlinger closes the pinch bottom of the PP*STAR bag by welding and not by gluing. This makes the bag a mono-material packaging solution that is easy to recycle.

“When developing the new machine concept, it was important to us that the produced PP*STAR bags could be easily returned to the packaging loop,” explains Claudia Hagn, PP*STAR Product Manager at Starlinger. “For this, we were able to draw from our expertise in hot-air welding technology, which we have accumulated over the years with our AD*STAR bag technology. As a result, no adhesive is needed to secure the pinch bottom, which significantly simplifies the production and recycling of PP*STAR bags while simultaneously expanding their potential applications.”

PP*STAR pinch-bottom bags are made from polypropylene tape fabric laminated with a reverse-printed BOPP film. This single-material composite not only gives PP*STAR bags their high durability and stability despite their comparatively low material weight, but also ensures good recyclability and an attractive appearance thanks to the customizable, high-quality printed BOPP film. From the fabric-film composite, pinch-bottom bags are manufactured in a fully automated process on Starlinger’s pp*starKON X pinch-bottom bag conversion system: first, a tube is formed from the flat fabric; then the individual pre-perforated bag sections are separated; and finally, the bag bottom is sealed using hot-air welding technology. With its unique technological features—including the specially designed hot-air sealing device and the patented laser unit—the pp*starKON X sets the standard for efficient, highly flexible and at the same time material-saving bag conversion.

The result is an attractive, lightweight, yet break-resistant and fully recyclable packaging solution with high resistance to tearing and puncturing. The durable PP*STAR bags not only help to significantly reduce breakage rates during the transport and storage of dry bulk goods such as animal feed, grain, rice, fertilizer, or construction materials, but they are also resistant to reactive chemicals. Their barrier properties also reliably protect the contents from insect infestation or spoilage caused by microorganisms, which is particularly important when storing food and other sensitive goods.

At the Starlinger booth at Chinaplas the RX 6.1^pro circular loom will be shown in operation. Designed for processing especially lightweight tapes, it produces tape fabrics for lightweight packaging such as the PP*STAR bag at a speed of up to 920 picks per minute and is characterized by its ease of operation and superior fabric quality.

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