In this episode of Seen and Solved, Mike Valenti, Director of Technology, takes on the paradigm shift that manufacturers are facing in moving from plastic packaging to aluminum packaging, to reduce the microplastics polluting the ocean.
He explains how cleanliness and adhesion properties are essential and that the traditional cleaning process involves heavy-duty caustic cleaners and their challenges, including scale buildup and downtime. To address these issues, Mike introduces an innovative acid-based cleaning chemistry. However, he highlights the complexities of implementing such a change, considering factors like appearance and production continuity.
Through extensive testing and collaboration, Hubbard-Hall developed acid cleaners tailored to meet the unique requirements of aluminum packaging manufacturers. Mike emphasizes the potential benefits of this chemistry, including reduced downtime and improved product quality.