ExxonMobil and LD PACK have introduced a mono-PE frozen food packaging film solution in a 2026 case study, positioning the development as an alternative to conventional BOPET//PE laminates for frozen food packs where recyclability design, cold-chain durability and pack integrity are key requirements.
The solution is based on an MDO PE//PE structure developed using ExxonMobil Signature Polymers high-performance polyethylene grades, including Exceed Stiff+, Exxtra Seal and Exceed HD, combined with LD PACK’s converting technology. It has been developed for frozen food applications that require stiffness, puncture resistance and seal performance during storage, handling and transportation.
According to the case study, the mono-material structure is designed with features intended to support recyclability, although actual recyclability depends on local collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure, as well as the condition and configuration of the package after use. ExxonMobil also noted that access to facilities able to process plastic films remains limited and is not widely available.
The reported test results compare the MDO PE 25µm//PE 63µm structure with a reference BOPET 12µm//PE 88µm laminate. Under frozen conditions of -30°C, the mono-PE pack achieved a 100% bag drop survival rate at 3m with a 250g white masterbatch fill. The case study also reports enhanced needle puncture performance and low-temperature tensile strength, alongside balanced stiffness for shelf presentation.
Zhang Fenghui, Technical Director at LD PACK, said the mono-PE frozen food packaging solution represents a “breakthrough in addressing critical industry needs”, adding that market feedback supports the company’s work on solutions combining functionality with design for recyclability.
For packaging converters and frozen food brands, the development addresses the technical challenge of moving from multi-material laminates to mono-PE structures while retaining performance under demanding cold-chain conditions.