ExxonMobil and France-based XL Recycling, a subsidiary of the Reborn Group, have collaborated to develop stretch and shrink hood film solutions that incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyethylene content without compromising performance. The initiative aims to support regulatory mandates such as the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which requires 35% PCR content in industrial packaging by 2030.
For stretch hood films, the partners developed a 90 μm three-layer structure incorporating 35% PCR using XL Recycling’s rL2015PC, a recycled LLDPE grade. This was blended with ExxonMobil’s Exceed™ Tough+ and Vistamaxx™ performance polymers. Testing shows mechanical and optical performance comparable to virgin formulations, with benefits such as improved puncture resistance, pallet stability, and low haze for better visibility.
Matthieu Abiteboul, Managing Director at Reborn Group, said, “Our PCR grades have already been used in over 3 billion packages… It was a no-brainer to collaborate with ExxonMobil Signature Polymers to boost PCR content incorporation.”
Delphine Laurent, Industrial Packaging Development Manager at ExxonMobil, emphasized the importance of selecting the correct recyclate: “Appropriate recyclate quality and consistency are essential… XL Recycling excels in these areas.”
In the shrink hood application, the solution includes a 50% PCR content using rS2503PC, a recycled LDPE sourced from post-consumer waste streams. It is combined with Exceed™ Stiff+, Exceed™ Flow, and ExxonMobil™ LD resins in a similar three-layer format. The films demonstrate high shrinkage speed, strong tear and puncture resistance, and good optical clarity.
Both solutions aim to provide flexible, high-performance packaging options that meet evolving regulatory and consumer demands while supporting circularity goals in industrial film applications.