Arctube TL 140 BPA-NI Internal Tube Lacquer
Arctube TL 140 is a single-coat polyester internal lacquer for aluminium tubes, formulated without bisphenol A or BPA-based epoxy resins as raw materials (BPA non-intent). It is intended for food pastes and for pharmaceutical and cosmetic tubes whose brand owners exclude bisphenols.
Grade Arctube TL 140 | Range Tube, Aerosol and Aluminium Bottle Coatings | Technology Solvent-borne polyester, BPA non-intent
Technical Data Sheet
Arctube TL 140
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A single-coat internal lacquer for aluminium tubes, formulated without bisphenol A or BPA-based epoxy resins as raw materials (BPA non-intent). It is directed at food pastes such as tomato concentrate, condensed milk, mustard and mayonnaise, and at pharmaceutical and cosmetic brand owners who exclude bisphenols. It is based on polyester chemistry, which is flexible but less resistant to strong alkali and solvent than epoxy-phenolic, so it is not the grade for hair colourants or solvent-rich adhesives, where it softens or blisters in the pack test. For food use, compliance is established on the finished tube by migration testing against the law of the market of sale.
2. Features
- BPA non-intent: no bisphenol A or BPA-based epoxy resins used as raw materials
- Polyester film, flexible at the crimp
- Cure window of about 200 to 260 degrees C metal temperature
- Less resistant to strong alkali and solvent than epoxy-phenolic grades
- For food use, compliance is established on the finished tube by migration testing against the law of the market of sale
3. Recommended uses
Food pastes such as tomato concentrate, condensed milk, mustard and mayonnaise, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic tubes where bisphenols are excluded. It is not the grade for hair colourants or solvent-rich adhesives, where it softens or blisters in the pack test.
Substrates. Annealed impact-extruded aluminium tubes for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic fills, cylindrical or conical.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-borne polyester, BPA non-intent | Formulation |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend | Not applicable |
| Non-volatile content | 25 to 45 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Supply viscosity | 30 to 60 s, 4 mm flow cup at 23 degrees C, or the 3 mm cup for thinner grades | ISO 2431 |
| Dry film, single coat | 5 to 9 micrometres, roughly 6 to 12 g/m2 | EN 13048 on finished tubes |
| Cure state | Pass in the acetone polymerisation test | EN 15766 on finished tubes |
| Adhesion | Cross-cut classification 0 to 1 on flat aluminium panels; no lacquer removal by tape on the finished tube | ISO 2409 on panels; EN 15421 on finished tubes |
| Porosity of the internal film | Current reading within the acceptance limit agreed for the tube size at qualification | EN 15384-1 or EN 15384-2 |
| Flexibility | Porosity after flattening, rolling up and folding within the customer's limit | EN 15384-1 or EN 15384-2, with the flexing to the customer's protocol |
| Pack test with the actual fill | No blistering, delamination, corrosion or change in the product after storage, commonly at 40 to 50 degrees C for 1 to 6 months | Customer protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Lance spray into the rotating tube, single coat |
| Surface preparation | Annealed, clean impact-extruded tube; lacquer applied after the anneal |
| Viscosity adjustment | Adjusted at the line within 30 to 60 s (ISO 2431 flow cup, 23 degrees C) to suit the spray equipment, using only the thinner Arctic specifies for the grade |
| Dry film | 5 to 9 micrometres |
| Cure schedule | Typically 3 to 10 min at about 200 to 260 degrees C metal temperature, set against the customer's oven with a traced temperature logger |
| Next step | External basecoat such as Arctube BC 120, then dry offset print and overvarnish |
| Qualification and food use | Pack tests with the actual fill and migration testing on finished tubes against the law of the market of sale come before any food use; declarations are issued on request against the product supplied, and a trial on the customer's line is required |
Process. Sprayed by lance into the rotating tube, typically 5 to 9 micrometres dry film, and cured typically 3 to 10 min at about 200 to 260 degrees C metal temperature, set against the customer’s oven. Pack tests with the actual fill and migration testing on finished tubes come before any food use, and a trial on the customer’s line is required.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original, tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, covered area, protected from frost, direct sunlight and heat, and keep containers closed between uses to limit solvent loss. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis; handling guidance is given in the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.