Innovative double bubble polyethylene-based shrink film solution

Shantou Mingca Packaging Co Ltd and ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Research & Development Co., Ltd (ExxonMobil) announced an innovative double bubble Polyethylene-based Shrink Film (PEF) solution, the next generation of Polyolefin Shrink Film (POF), created using ultra-low density ExceedTM XP performance polyethylene. PEF can be used to package products in a variety of shapes, such as electronics, household and personal care products, medicines, food, books and magazines, plastic utensils, and toys.

The solution’s polyethylene-based structure can help converters create packaging that can be more easily mechanically recycled than conventional POF solutions. The recyclability of the film structure has been third-party validated and certified by TÜV Rheinland.
 

PEF shrink film can help provide exceptional “shelf appeal” to products, making them look attractive to consumers. In addition, the PEF solution can provide a snug fit with small and soft corners, further increasing appearance aesthetics. It can shrink more than 70 percent upon heating and can help enable excellent shrink performance at lower temperatures. Thanks to its low-temperature shrinkage capability, the new PEF solution can offer potential cost savings due to the shrink tunnel consuming less energy than what is needed with conventional POF solutions.

• With haze as low as 2.8 percent and gloss up to 86 GU, the ExceedTM XP-based PEF offers excellent optical properties.

• ExceedTM XP performance polyethylene can help to deliver outstanding softness (1% secant modulus as low as 374 MPa), with tensile strength at MD/TD as high as 100 MPa.

Similar to POF, the new PEF shrink film can be produced using double bubble technology. Converters can typically switch from their current POF formulation to the next generation conveniently with only a few adjustments to their existing POF production line, while brand owners can adopt the new solution without upgrades or changes to their packaging lines.

“Development of this PEF solution was driven by the growing desire for companies to deliver products in recyclable packaging,” said Karen Chui, Polyethylene North Asia Market Development Manager, ExxonMobil. “At ExxonMobil, we believe it is essential to collaborate closely with value chain members to continue to introduce new solutions that can help meet evolving market needs.”

“From raw material suppliers, film converters, to brand owners, the value chain has ambitious recyclability goals,” said Mr. Liu Kun, General Manager at Shantou Mingca Packaging Co Ltd. “PEF is a game changer when it comes to the recyclability of shrink films, bringing more capabilities to the packaging world to help contribute to a circular plastic economy.”