Processor report

Sustainable packaging solution

Along the lines of seeking sustainable packaging solutions, ExxonMobil Chemical and Malaysian cast pallet stretch film producer Thong Guan Plastics have broken new ground by jointly pioneering a thin gauge stretch packaging film that uses about 40% less raw material without any reduction in film performance and properties.

Commercially launched as MaxStretch by Thong Guan, the thin gauge stretch packaging film is made of a formulation that includes Enable, a breakthrough metallocene polyethylene (mPE) technology launched in March this year by ExxonMobil.

Explaining why the film is a breakthrough, Thong Guan's Director, PK Ang says, "A 12 micron MaxStretch film, for example, shows equal or better tensile strength, puncture resistance and other performance benefits than a conventional 20 micron film we have been producing. He went on to say, “Due to its strong and thin structure, MaxStretch is an optimised stretch packaging film that requires no pre-stretching.”

Making films thinner - or downgauging - is clearly the way to go for film producers in today's environment of rising raw material, labour, storage and transportation costs and environmental concerns. The reduced weight translates to energy savings and reduced greenhouse gases every time film products are transported.

"While plastic is a highly visible component of consumer waste, it will remain the predominant base of packaging solutions for the forseeable future because of the sustainable benefits it delivers," shares Dave McConville, ExxonMobil's Global PE Market Development Manager.

When ExxonMobil introduced its Enable mPE technology early this year, a key concern was sustainable development. "Enable mPE formulated films can be made much thinner than conventional films, yet still retain the mechanical strength with high stiffness and stretch resistance,” McConville explains, adding that the film eliminates the need for multiple wraps and results in more secure loads and less damage in transit.

"For the end users, it means less plastic to recycle," he adds, highlighting that ExxonMobil subscribes to the principles of sustainable development, including the need to balance economic growth with environmental care, and to reduce, reuse and recycle.

One of the earliest proponents of MaxStretch is Australian packaging material supplier Signet.  "The Australian market is driving towards premium, light gauge films for environmental and occupational safety reasons." says Signet’s Managing Director Mark Brennan. "This unique film from Thong Guan allows our customers to reduce the amount of plastic packaging used as well as provide employees with lighter rolls in the wrapping process. The overall wrapping cost is also significantly reduced, making this a win-win solution for all involved,” he says.

The stretch film market has been growing at a robust 10-20% over the last few years.  The strongest growth comes from the Asia Pacific region where rapid industrialisation has contributed to a strong demand for packaging film, especially stretch film, as it is an economical, effective and practical means of pallet packaging. Enable and MaxStretch are expected to stretch the packaging market solutions available while at the same time promoting the sustainable development concept.