In a move aimed at addressing growing sustainability demands and upcoming regulations like the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), ExxonMobil has partnered with Hosokawa Alpine and IMA Ilapak to develop an innovative, recyclable cheese packaging solution.
The collaboration is part of ExxonMobil’s new Signature Polymers portfolio, which consolidates its polyolefin products under a single brand to simplify portfolio access and foster stronger industry partnerships. “This initiative reflects our commitment to service-driven, game-changing collaboration that advances business goals,” the company stated.
The result is a mono-material polyethylene (PE) pouch that replaces traditional multi-material cheese packaging. Designed with recyclability in mind, the pouch is lightweight, efficient on horizontal form, fill and seal (HFFS) lines, and maintains necessary food preservation standards.
Produced using Alpine’s advanced 9-layer barrier blown film line and machine direction orientation (MDO) technology, the structure includes a 2-micron EVOH barrier layer, contributing to an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than 0.5 cc/m² per day—crucial for preserving cheese.
Key materials include Exceed™ HD 6107 and Exxtra™ Seal POP 2008.RK, selected for their mechanical performance and sealing properties. ExxonMobil’s resins were used to create both the MDO PE barrier substrate and sealant film.
Converted into pouches using IMA Ilapak’s HFFS machinery, the packaging achieved a 60% weight reduction compared to rigid trays and features over 90% PE content, meeting design-for-recyclability guidelines.
The partners emphasize the broader goal of aligning innovation with sustainability. “We continuously work to provide the listen-first, service-driven collaboration that unlocks opportunities for our partners,” ExxonMobil noted.