New packaging technologies at Dow’s Pack Studios
Dow announced two new technology additions at Pack Studios in Freeport, Texas, the US. They include an MDO (Machine Direction Orientation) unit to its 9-layer blown film line for food and specialty packaging, and an upgraded Cast Film line designed to support industrial and commercial packaging customers.
Two new technologies for film packaging are added to Dow’s Pack Studios.
Launched 12 years ago, Pack Studios was created to foster collaboration within the packaging industry. It is a premier innovation hub providing different packaging experiment for brands without disrupting their production lines.
MDO unit to accelerate mono-material packaging development
The versatile MDO unit is a film-making technology that supports the creation of durable, high functioning films. It is the only in-line, commercial-scale MDO pilot capabilities in North America and aligned with Pack Studios's W&H 9-layer blown film line.
The MDO unit facilitates all-PE packaging designs that would otherwise consist of multi-material, non-recyclable solutions.
The MDO unit stretches the plastic to its utmost tensile strength, creating lighter-weight film and using less material per package. This technology accelerates mono-material packaging development and supports the recycling of plastic films.
Upgraded cast line for industrial and commercial applications
The Dow team worked closely with SML to design a semi-commercial cast film line that provides maximum flexibility to support all cast film markets. The new cast film extrusion technology expands to industrial and commercial applications.
The new SML Cast Film line in the Pack Studios is equipped with seven extruders.
The new SML Cast Film line is equipped with seven extruders, each paired with a six-component blending system, to aid in designing next-generation cast films. It has a fully automated winding section for loading and unloading that provides enhanced safety. This level of automation is a first at Dow Pack Studios.
Each line is equipped with an EREMA pelletizing unit that can also be used as a stand-alone system, allowing production of in-house recycled materials for evaluation and understanding.
