Newsletter & Product Highlights

  • Electrical steel interleaving paper

Recognizing an Industry Need for Ultra Thin Electrical Steel Interleaving Paper

February 28th, 2024|

Recognizing an Industry Need for Ultra Thin Electrical Steel Interleaving Paper Flexlink LLC is at the forefront of revolutionizing the metal interleaving industry, constantly pushing boundaries to protect and enhance the performance of nonferrous metals.Recently, our team stumbled upon an intriguing development in the world of metal rolling mills, specifically targeting electrical steels. This breakthrough could potentially lead to thinner gauges, as low as .1mm/.004”/100 microns.In response to this innovation, we aim to explore the implications and possibilities for interleaving these ultra-thin electrical steels to ensure their optimal protection and performance.How Ultra Thin Electrical Steel is UsedWhile electrical steel has been a staple in the industry for decades, it has traditionally not been interleaved due to its non-surface-critical nature. Typically containing silicone, electrical steel finds applications in motors, generators, and transformers. However, a recent discovery in the metal rolling mill sector suggests a paradigm [...]

Get Higher Quality and Better Service When You Choose the Right Straw Wrap Paper Provider

November 3rd, 2023|

Get Higher Quality and Better Service When You Choose the Right Straw Wrap Paper Provider Many straw producers are unaware of the responsibilities they undertake when selecting straw wrap paper. Not only are you responsible for delivering a well-packaged straw, but there are many safety and environmental regulations that offer both the government and consumers the assurance that you are using a product that is safe, environmentally friendly and functional. Keep reading for more considerations and tips for choosing a straw wrap paper provider. Is it FDA-approved? Does it meet other requirements? Because straw wrap paper is a food-contact product, it’s important to choose a provider that has FDA approval and operates under the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Although many straw manufacturers are not aware of it, they are responsible for making sure their raw materials are FDA Approved. Be sure to [...]

  • Auto painting worker

How to Maximize Safety and Efficiency in Your Paint Spray Booth

September 21st, 2023|

How to Maximize Safety and Efficiency in Your Paint Spray Booth When it comes to enhancing the safety and productivity of your paint spray booth, Flexlink's white flame-resistant paper stands out as the ultimate solution. Our commitment to providing the best liner options for paint spray booths stems from the numerous advantages our flame-resistant papers offer. Mitigate Liability Concerns with Flame Resistance Avoiding potential liability issues is paramount in any workplace, especially in environments where safety risks are present. Without proper precautions, fires can lead to catastrophic consequences. This is why adhering to the guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is crucial. OSHA regularly penalizes companies for failing to use flame-resistant materials within paint spray booths. Flexlink's range of flame-resistant kraft papers is meticulously crafted to meet the stringent requirements of OSHA Standard 1910.107(b)(3). This standard mandates that the work [...]

  • Brewed tea bags

Selecting a Tea Filter Paper Supplier: Comprehensive Technical Service

June 1st, 2023|

Selecting a Tea Filter Paper Supplier: Comprehensive Technical Service Service can be an easily overlooked aspect of the total tea filter paper buying decision. Prospective customers should be sure to select a supplier that has personnel ready and able to troubleshoot problems that are being incurred on the packaging line or downstream in the distribution channel. Precision & Control in the Plant Due to the high speeds that most packaging lines run, a whole host of problems can happen in the plant. The temperature, humidity, seal pressure and seal temperature all have to be controlled. Meanwhile, the timing and the alignment of the entire machine has to be perfect. To match this level of sophistication, the filter paper has to be consistent from roll to roll and production run to production run. Having the support of the filter paper supplier to lock each and [...]

  • Tea bag in water

Compostable vs. Traditional Tea Filter Paper

May 30th, 2023|

Compostable vs. Traditional Tea Filter Paper Another important consideration when shopping for tea filter paper is whether to use a compostable paper or a traditional heat sealable filter paper. Polylactic Acid, a Natural Plant-Based Polymer Compostable tea filter papers are made with polylactic acid (PLA) which is a natural plant-based polymer that is made from corn starch. The PLA-based heat sealable papers are usually certified for compostability by either TUV in Europe or BPI in North America. Certified for Industrial vs. Home Composting There are two different compostability studies to consider. The filter paper can be certified for either "industrial" (sometimes referred to as “commercial”) composting, which means that the filter bag has been tested in large industrial composting settings, or it can be certified for home composting. Commercially compostable products are moved to large composters with high heat and large microbial communities. Home [...]

  • Hanging tea bags

Tea Filter Paper Color Options: White or Natural

May 26th, 2023|

Tea Filter Paper Color Options: White or Natural Most tea filter paper manufacturers offer both natural (tan) and white filter papers. The color is dictated by how the pulp is made. Keep reading to learn more about conventional perceptions of natural vs. white filter paper, as well as two common bleaching processes. Perceptions of Natural vs. White Filter Paper Based on conventional perceptions from the medical community, white tea filter paper carries the misconception of being “purer” and “cleaner” than natural papers. Meanwhile, natural papers are assumed to be more environmentally friendly. This is not always the case. Since the color of the paper is dictated by the color of the pulp used to make the paper, it is helpful to have a general understanding of how each pulp is produced. Bleaching Pulp with Chlorine Chlorine is traditionally used for bleaching pulp as it [...]

  • Copper surface

Considerations When Selecting Copper Interleaving Paper

April 13th, 2023|

Considerations When Selecting Copper Interleaving Paper As almost any rolled copper producer will tell you, interleaving copper is not like interleaving stainless steel or other nonferrous metals. Three important differences exist that should be considered prior to selecting an interleaving paper. 1. Pulp Cleanliness As a soft metal, physical pulp cleanliness is very important for any interleaving paper that is intended to be used to interleave copper. This is especially important when winding the interleaving tissue into a coil where the tension wound into the coil creates massive pressure between the different layers of metal. Flexlink’s Flexsheen® line of metal interleaving tissue is made with the highest standards of pulp cleanliness. 2. Reduced Propensity for Oxidation Stainless steel and other nonferrous metals will corrode under the right conditions. However, while copper corrodes, it also oxidizes from exposure to the atmosphere. When copper oxidizes, the [...]

  • Green energy for home concept

Now Offering PFOA- and PFOS-Free OGR Papers

March 23rd, 2023|

Now Offering PFOA- and PFOS-Free OGR Papers Flexlink’s FlexTrue™ is a full line of compostable papers that will solve problems in the food and pet industries. As part of this new family of wholesome and environmentally-friendly packaging papers, we now offer a range of PFOA- and PFOS-free, oil- and grease-resistant (OGR) papers. FlexTrue™ Features FlexTrue™—True to your health. True to your mind. True to the earth. Available in white, natural and colors Available in basis weights starting at 18#/3000 ft2 and going up to 35#/3000 ft2 Treated with bio additives inline, on the paper machine, or contain increased refining for specialized applications KIT levels can be achieved up to 7.0, but higher levels can be reached through offline, secondary coating operations PFOA and PFOS free Grease Resistance Levels These OGR papers are available in grease resistance levels from KIT 3 up to KIT 7. [...]

  • PFAs free - eco friendly

Understanding PFAS – Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

January 6th, 2023|

Understanding PFAS - Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances What is PFAS? PFAS, which is an abbreviation for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large and complex group of manufactured chemicals that are used as an ingredient in a variety of everyday products. Perflourooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perflourooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are members of a chemical group in PFAS. These chemicals can be utilized in a wide range of industries such as food packaging, aerospace, construction, automotive, etc. PFAS do not degrade easily in the environment due to their carbon-fluorine bond, which is one of the strongest molecular bonds. When production of this chemical kicked off in the 1950’s, it could be most commonly found in waterproof, stain resistant, and nonstick products, as it was infamous for being both water and lipid resistant. Unfortunately, factories commonly dumped PFOS and PFOAs, substrates of [...]

  • White tent

Why You Should Choose Flexlink’s PVC Film Interleaving Paper

September 6th, 2022|

Why You Should Choose Flexlink’s PVC Film Interleaving Paper Has your interleaving paper supplier left your PVC Film bare due to a lack of supply or an inability to get paper as soon as you need it? If so, call Flexlink LLC right now and read on to learn more about our customized interleaving paper designed specifically for the PVC Film Market. Serving the PVC Film Industry for Over 10 Years Along with a full range of other interleaving papers for the metals, films, and glass industries, Flexlink LLC has been supplying interleaving paper to the PVC Film Industry for over 10 years. Our paper is specifically designed without a paper pattern so that your warm film can be interleaved without the paper pattern being transferred to the film. This is done by managing the formation and using coatings that do not release from [...]

  • Windshield installment

Benefits of Removing Resin from Glass Interleaving Paper

May 3rd, 2022|

Benefits of Removing Resin from Glass Interleaving Paper Glass interleaving defects can be broken into uncontrollable and controllable factors. The uncontrollable factors are outside the control of the glass manufacturer and include humidity, heat and the length of time the glass is interleaved. Fortunately, glass manufacturers can still control the quality of their glass by controlling the characteristics of their interleaving paper. The paper’s thickness, pH and chemical content all work to inhibit the effects of heat, humidity and time. Additionally, it is important to exclude silicone derivatives from all pulp and paper manufacturing processes. Resin Level is a Controllable Factor Moderate to high resin levels can cause pitting and corrosion in glass interleaving paper. High resin levels often appear as tiny specs in the sheet that can dent glass. Moreover, studies show that chemical impurities such as sulfates, agglomerate around these tiny [...]

  • Press releases

A Case Study on Yield Savings and Efficiency Improvements with Flexsheen® Interleaving Paper

May 3rd, 2022|

A Case Study on Yield Savings and Efficiency Improvements with Flexsheen® Interleaving Paper Flexlink recently trialed, qualified and began selling Flexsheen® interleaving paper to another new customer in the stainless steel industry. By decreasing the basis weight from 20 lb. interleaving to 15 lb. natural Flexsheen® metal interleaving, this customer is saving in excess of $100,000/yr. Major Cost Reduction/Productivity Improvement Efforts Flexlink began trialing 15 lb. natural Flexsheen® metal interleaving paper to replace a generic 20 lb. neutral pH paper. While the customer had experienced relatively good quality over the years, they were making a major push to reduce cost and increase productivity. Our Flexsheen® line of metal interleaving papers offers superior tensile characteristics and remains the only natural interleaving paper that is controlled for ash, sulfate and chloride. Knowing this, the largest of our customer’s steel polishing plants began trialing our [...]

  • Steel interleaving paper

The Difference Between MG and MF Paper

May 3rd, 2022|

The Difference Between MG and MF Paper Many of the questions that we receive here at Flexlink deal with the differences between “MG” or “machine glazed” paper versus “MF” or “machine finished” kraft paper. People often ask us, “What is the difference between the two?” or, “Why does my paper have a shiny surface?” or even, “It looks like this paper has a waxy or coated surface; what is that all about?” Therefore, we thought we would take a few minutes to describe the difference between MF and MG Paper so you can have a better understanding. The Drying Difference Between MG and MF The papermaking process starts on the wet end of the paper machine. Pulp is mixed with water in a ratio of 99.5% water and .5% pulp, but most of the water is drained from the pulp mixture by the time [...]

  • Windshield manufacturing

Glass Interleaving Powder vs. Glass Interleaving Paper

March 25th, 2022|

Glass Interleaving Powder vs. Glass Interleaving Paper Glass interleaving paper is used when interleaving powder does not work. In most cases, this occurs because the glass surface is not perfectly flat or when specific environments cause dust and beads from interleaving powder to be problematic. Interleaving powder is largely used by the flat glass manufacturing industry. Glass interleaving paper was the standard in flat glass packaging, but then many manufacturers started switching to powder as a more economical solution. This may be the case for flat glass packaging, but glass interleaving paper remains the most effective solution for non-flat glass. Issues with using glass interleaving powder: Curved or bent surfaces prohibit interleaving powder from remaining in place. The dirt and dust associated with interleaving powders can cause problems in a multitude of situations. Powder may only provide spot contact and neutralization of alkali, leaving [...]

  • Moisture on glass

Moisture: A Demon for Glass Manufacturers

March 25th, 2022|

Moisture: A Demon for Glass Manufacturers Glass interleaving defects can be broken into “uncontrollable” and “controllable” factors. The uncontrollable factors are outside the control of the glass manufacturer and include humidity, heat and the length of time the glass is interleaved. Fortunately, glass manufacturers can still control the quality of their glass by controlling the characteristics of their interleaving paper. The paper’s thickness, pH and chemical content all work to inhibit the effects of heat, humidity and time. Additionally, it is important to exclude silicone derivatives from all pulp and paper manufacturing processes. Moisture forms on glass anytime the ambient temperature falls below the dew point. Under normal circumstances, the moisture evaporates or is diluted to the point that chemical reactions cannot occur. In packaged glass however, the moisture is trapped and this ultimately leads to glass defects if the proper safeguards are not [...]

  • Windshield manufacturer

Virgin vs. Recycled Glass Interleaving Paper

March 24th, 2022|

Virgin vs. Recycled Glass Interleaving Paper Watch out for added chemicals in your paper! Glass manufacturers should be aware that if their paper is not produced specifically for glass interleaving, the paper mill can add chemicals to the paper at any point. Typical paper mills will often incorporate chemicals to decrease cost and increase efficiency assuming that the paper they are producing will go into flexible packaging and other specialty applications. Silicone based defoamers are one example of this. In paper manufacturing, silicone-based defoamer agents can decrease cost and are therefore gaining in popularity. Unless the paper mill producing your paper is custom manufacturing a glass interleaving paper specifically for this application, they are likely to maximize efficiency without regard for how chemical changes can impact glass products. In fact, one of our current customers first came to us with a defect that was [...]

  • Glassine Envelope by FlexLink

Ultra Clean Papers from Flexlink LLC

October 3rd, 2019|

Ultra Clean Papers from Flexlink LLC As you probably know, Flexlink supplies a range of ultra-clean, low ash, low chloride and low sulfate specialty papers for interleaving, archival and other applications. Usually, these papers are used in highly specialized applications. In one recent application, an industrial customer was looking for a separator tissue to go between their conveyor and the product they process. The customer's end product goes into an oven and is heated at an extremely high temperature. The light-weight tissue enters the oven with the end product, burns and becomes an impurity in the final product. Therefore, less ash results in higher purity for this customer's final product. With most papers, fillers such as clay create more ash in the paper. The amount of ash content can be measured and determined at the time the paper is manufactured. At 15 lbs. [...]

  • Steel coil packaging on pallets by FlexLink

Solutions to Prevent Corrosion for Metal Coils

September 20th, 2019|

Solutions to Prevent Corrosion for Metal Coils Whether you are looking to prevent corrosion, provide a professional appearance to your metal coils or improve your efficiency in the plant, Flexlink offers the barrier packaging solution to achieve your goals in both the ferrous and non-ferrous metals markets. Below you will find a brief summary of our capabilities. Flexlink offers a full array of laminated and scrim reinforced papers and fabrics to protect your steel coils. Both papers and fabrics can be custom printed with company logos, safety information or other data. In some cases, Vapor Corrosion Inhibiting additives or desiccants are needed to consume oxygen and prevent corrosion. Flexlink can incorporate these additives into VCI Stretch Film, VCI Fabric and Steel Wrap. Meanwhile, VCI Bags that can be slid over the top of steel coils with or without the use of desiccants are [...]

  • Glassine candy fluted cups by Flexlink

Flexlink LLC Offers Widest Possible Range of Glassine Papers

September 9th, 2019|

Flexlink LLC Offers Widest Possible Range of Glassine Papers There are a wide array of glassine paper uses and we at Flexlink have improved our offering to include them all. Here, we are offering a brief summary of our overall glassine product range and how Flexlink can serve all of your glassine needs. Archival-grade glassine, which is used for interleaving prints, maps, documents, artwork, ink-jet prints, photographs and other products can be difficult to find. Flexlink offers neutral pH, un-buffered, archival quality glassine for the most difficult archival and storage applications. Glassine food envelopes and small glassine bags are often used to package and protect candies, baked goods, party favors, stamps and other items. Flexlink offers glassine in rolls, sheets or bag form for an array of applications. Glassine can also be used for pastry cups, baking cups and candy cups. It’s natural, [...]

Flexlink LLC Continues Offering Specialty Paperboard & Chipboard

November 6th, 2018|

Flexlink LLC Continues Offering Specialty Paperboard & Chipboard Many may not realize it but Flexlink has been offering specialty paperboard and chipboard products for the last several years. As the source for your difficult to find specialty papers, our line of specialty paperboard and chipboard includes a range of unique capabilities for a host of specialty applications. A few of them are outlined below. We have the ability to customize matte board products for the picture framing industry. Whether your application requires unique colors, a special embossing pattern or other unique paperboard characteristic, Flexlink has you covered. Moreover, our neutral pH and anti-tarnish capabilities allow us to make archival board for storage, framing and interleaving applications. Our archival offering is acid-free and lignin free and can be either buffered or un-buffered. With a range of calipers available, our abilities in the archival [...]

Why Booth Liner Paper Needs to be Flame Resistant

June 6th, 2018|

Why Booth Liner Paper Needs to be Flame Resistant Flexlink LLC's line of flame resistant kraft papers is designed to meet OSHA Standard 1910.107(b)(3) which requires that the work areas inside of paint spray booths be noncombustible. Specifically, Standard 1910.107(b)(3) states: "The floor surface of a spray booth and operator's working area, if combustible, shall be covered with noncombustible material of such character as to facilitate the safe cleaning and removal of residue." Flexlink now offers 4 thicknesses of flame resistant kraft paper and all are designed to self-extinguish. These include 70 lb. bleached, 80 lb. bleached, 100 lb. bleached and 170 lbs. natural flame resistant kraft papers. Call us for samples and/or technical data. If you are interested in counter rolls, we will be sure to connect you with one of our converter partners that can supply them for you. [...]

Glass Interleaving Paper Quality Control Considerations

September 30th, 2016|

Glass Interleaving Paper Quality Control Considerations There are five major factors that influence how often defects occur and how severe defects are when they do occur in glass interleaving paper. Luckily, the last two factors are controllable and can eliminate the risk associated with the first three factors, which are uncontrollable. Uncontrollable Humidity - humidity increases the risk and severity of defects Heat - the warmer it is (either b/c of ambient temperature or because you are interleaving warm glass), the greater the chance of of chemical reactions which lead to defects Time the glass is interleaved - the longer you leave the paper in the glass, the greater chance of a defect Controllable - Can Eliminate Risk from #'s 1,2,3 Thickness of the paper relative to its pH - thin papers need a very low pH to avoid problems, thicker papers can have a higher pH [...]

FLEXDura® Heat Resistant Tag Material

July 14th, 2014|

FLEXDura® Heat Resistant Tag Material Did you know that Flexlink LLC now offers heat resistant paper? Our FLEXDura® line of heat resistant paper is perfect for non-adhesive coated tag applications where flexographic, laser and other printing is required. Offered in both white and natural colors and thicknesses from five to eight mils, the FLEXDura® line of heat resistant papers works well in industrial (non-food) applications for welding, extruding, baking industrial parts and tempering. The white version also functions well for neon light patterns. Main Features of FLEXDura® Line of Heat Resistant Papers: Withstands 400 to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit - depending on grade, application and length of heat exposure Both heat resistant and flame resistant Whiteness/Brightness of 94/90 respectively on white products (prior to being heated) UL 94 rating of V-O, 5VA Primary Benefits of FLEXDura®: Allows manufacturers to track parts throughout the [...]

Colored Tyvek® tag stock in 32 colors

January 18th, 2012|

Colored Tyvek® tag stock in 32 colors Do you provide blank colored Tyvek® tags to your customers? Would you like to avoid running them through your press to flood coat them? Or would you like to avoid the high cost of having a competitor flood coat your base stock for you? As you have come to expect, Flexlink LLC has a cost effective solution that saves you money, is easy to use and improves your bottom line. Flexlink LLC offers Colored Tyvek® Tag Stock in 32 Colors Flexlink LLC provides colored Tyvek® Tag Stock in 32 different colors, quantities as low as 1600 msi and prices starting at $.82/msi. Tyvek® 1025, Tyvek® 1073 and Tyvek® 1079 are available. Flexlink offers coated Tyvek® in both coated one side (C1S) and coated two side (C2S) versions. Sheet samples are readily available and material can be [...]

Permafiber™ – moisture resistant and water resistant colored kraft paper

November 9th, 2011|

Permafiber™ – moisture resistant and water resistant colored kraft paper I am sure you know that Permafiber™ is a moisture resistant and water resistant colored kraft paper that can be submersed in water for months and still maintain it's tear, tensile and overall strength. But did you know just how versatile this amazing paper is? Permafiber™ is: Repulpable, biodegradable and completely renewable. That makes it perfect for tag and label applications in forests, parks, fields or anywhere outdoors where users are concerned about the environment. Tearable, so it tears like other paper and you get the moisture resistant benefits of synthetic paper with the functionality of real paper. Stocked in an array of colors and shipped in quantities down to 250 lbs. for quick turn around on small tag and label orders. The following list demonstrates a few of the niche applications which are currently filled by Permafiber™. What other ideas do you have? Logging Tags / Timber Tags [...]

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