ExxonMobil has partnered with Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H) to develop a non-laminated, mono-material machine direction oriented (MDO) polyethylene (PE) freezer pouch. The collaboration responds to economic pressures and legislative developments, including the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), by focusing on recyclable packaging solutions with improved material performance.
The resulting pouch is designed for recyclability while delivering mechanical strength and downgauging potential. The film, produced using ExxonMobil Signature Polymers and W&H’s MDO technology, demonstrates strong performance metrics including drop resistance from heights up to six metres at -30 °C, high dart drop impact, and needle puncture resistance.
A key feature of the pouch is its freezer-grade reliability without requiring lamination, owing to a high stiffness/toughness balance and strong sealability. The film also provides optical clarity and printability, supporting branding and shelf appeal. According to ExxonMobil, the structure can be up to 40% thinner than current market alternatives without sacrificing performance.
The solution uses a combination of ExxonMobil Signature Polymers resins: Exceed™ Tough+ m 0516 and m 0518 for robustness, Exxtra™ Seal POP 2008 for sealability, and Vistamaxx™ 6102 to improve bubble structure control.
The film was printed using W&H’s NOVOFLEX II press, which enabled high-speed printing with inline slitting, resulting in clean edges and precise web handling. The structure is positioned as a commercially viable alternative for frozen food packaging, balancing sustainability goals with operational requirements.