ExxonMobil and Bandera have jointly developed a solution to meet the requirements for recyclable packaging. By utilising polyethylene (PE) as a mono-material, the two companies have created a pet food packaging solution that is both recyclable and offers the necessary mechanical and optical properties.
ExxonMobil recently launched ExxonMobil Signature Polymers. This new brand brings together the company's polyolefin products under one umbrella and promotes collaboration across the entire value chain. In cooperation with Bandera, a leading manufacturer of extrusion equipment, a PE mono-material packaging solution was developed that is specifically designed for recyclability.
The challenge: Machine direction oriented (MDO) PE films can exhibit improved mechanical, barrier, and optical properties, but the implementation of MDO technology requires investment in special equipment, which can involve significant upfront costs.
Technological implementation
The developed packaging solution uses a PE substrate film produced on a conventional Bandera blown film extrusion line. This film is characterised by its high stiffness, good optical properties, and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures, which are crucial for printing and lamination processes. An EVOH-containing film, produced on a Bandera Barrier Flex extrusion line, was used as the sealing film, offering a wide sealing window and enabling the use of ExxonMobil Signature Polymers Exxtra Seal.
Advantages and potential
Renouncing MDO technology for the production of the PE film means the solution is more cost-effective and easier to integrate into existing production processes. The film's high clarity and rigidity make it an ideal replacement for PET in mono-material packaging.
Source: ExxonMobil
