Supply chain collaboration on recyclable PE thermoformed packaging
ExxonMobil, EVAL, Reifenhäuser and MULTIVAC collaborated to produce a recyclable, thermoformed packaging with 95% PE content without compromising on functionality and optics.
Collaborated solution
The packaging consists of a formed PE/EVOH bottom web and PE/EVOH lid film. The collaborating companies are responsible for different parts of the packaging according to their expertise.
Collaboration on the recyclable thermoformed packaging.
The bottom web was produced with ExxonMobil resins such as Exceed XP, Exceed and Enable performance PE and a special EVAL EVOH resin, designed for thermoforming.
The top film consists of a PE/EVOH coex film produced on a Reifenhäuser Aqua Cool 9-layer barrier line with Exceed XP 7052ML, Exceed 2012MA and EVAL EVOH high barrier resin L171B.
The packaging is then formed and filled on a MULTIVAC R126 machine according to industry standard process conditions. It is also successfully produced on a MULTIVAC R245 machine at high line speed.
Outstanding result
ExxonMobil resins Exceed XP 7052ML and Enable 4009MC provide exceptional puncture performance and formability, while EVAL EVOH resin LT172B combines low thickness with high barrier properties.
The combination of these resins deliver outstanding packaging integrity, with comparable film stiffness and exceptional puncture performance compared to PA containing thermoformed film.
Functionality such as oxygen barrier and optics are also comparable to PA containing thermoformed films.
The film also has outstanding machinability on the MULTIVAC R245 forming and filling machine at standard and high line speed.
Under optimized thermoforming trial conditions of 1 second at 120°C with 3 bar, 2.3 seconds at 100°C forming, with mold size 182mm x 112mm and depths of 50mm, 60mm and 70mm, maximum line speed of more than 12 cycles/minute is achieved on the R245 MULTIVAC line.
