Next generation multilayer film

Designed specifically to meet the packaging industry's growing demand for high quality collation shrink films for the beverage market, Sabic has optimized its existing multilayer film concept, supporting film packaging applications that comprise up to five layers or more. Made with a combination of resins including a new material - LDPE 2801TH00W, this enhanced sustainable concept enables further downgauging and increased output, and is the result of company's further investment in and extensive knowledge of polyolefin films that help processors stay ahead of the industry curve. The improved concept's film combinations allow manufacturers to create unique property configurations that meet the specific needs of brand owners as well as the demands of the consumer.
This improved multilayer concept exhibits a balance between mechanical properties (tear resistance), optical properties (high-gloss which can boost shelf appeal and visibility for the end-product) and stiffness, while optimizing manufacturing performance. Among its numerous benefits, the concept offers a high degree of downgauging possibilities and increased production speeds (up to 1000 kg per hour), allowing food packaging manufacturers to improve product performance by using the lowest gauge of film, while still meeting their requirements for strength, flexibility, and stiffness. At the same time, it opens up new application areas and unprecedented levels of sustainability performance, replacing traditional materials with light-weight packaging solutions.
"Through this multilayer concept, processors are presented with a relatively stiff film, enabling very thin gauges that reduce overall resource usage, resulting in less waste and costs, whilst still meeting their requirements for strength, flexibility, and stiffness", said Mark Vester, business director LLDPE-LDPE at Sabic.
For this smart concept in multilayer film, the company adopted a holistic approach to its initial trial stage, inviting customers to feedback and this resulted in very promising comments with respect to both processing performance and film properties. These further steps in technology enhancement are made possible through the teamwork between Sabic experts across departments of expertise and geographies as well as close collaboration with leading blown film machinery producers.
Designed to enhance product performance and increase flexibility in resin combination to end markets, the company has also been developing enhanced multilayer film concepts for other film segments such as lamination, deep freeze, agriculture films, among others.
LDPE 2801TH00W is a new and major component of the concept, developed with key features of high purity, increased stiffness and superior optical properties, as well excellent machinability and cutting/punching performance. Production is taking place at Sabic's manufacturing facility in Wilton, Teesside (UK), one of the world's largest LDPE plant.