SML has unveiled its latest breakthrough in sustainable flexible packaging: a family of Mono-Material Oriented Polyethylene (MDO-PE) films ranging from 17 µm to 65 µm. These high-clarity films deliver bespoke barrier performance previously the domain of multi-layer PET-PE laminates while offering full recyclability as a single-polymer structure.
“At SML, we saw an opportunity to replace PET-PE laminates with an easy-to-recycle, mono-material solution,” explains Elias Mayerhofer, Product Manager at SML. “Our new cast film lines, complete with integrated MDO units, allow us to produce films with tailored Oxygen and Water Vapour Transmission Rates (OTR/WVTR) for everything from tubular snack bags to stand-up pouches.”
Ultra-Thin Excellence: 17 µm MDO-PE
Building on the success of its 15 µm standard film, SML has brought to market a 17 µm MDO-PE barrier film featuring:
- EVOH barrier layer (<1 µm thick)
- OTR: 1–3 cm³/m²/24 hr (ASTM F1927-07)
- WVTR: 5–8 g/m²/24 hr (ASTM F1249-06)
This ultra-thin format maintains a stretch ratio of 1:5, delivering exceptional gas protection in a film that remains transparent and mechanically robust.
Extended Range: Up to 65 µm
For applications demanding even greater barrier or mechanical strength think heavy-duty stand-up pouches or industrial-grade liners SML’s MDO-PE technology scales up to 65 µm. Film producers can choose the precise thickness and barrier profile they need, all within the same mono-material family.
Sealing Layer Integration
To streamline production, SML offers an integrated sealing layer option. This produces ready-to-use films straight off the cast line ideal for high-volume packaging formats such as stand-up and side-gusseted bags.
Processing and Printability
Both SML’s cast and blown MDO-PE films work seamlessly on conventional coating, laminating, and filling lines. They exhibit excellent printability on Flexographic and Rotogravure presses, and even metallisation is straightforward yielding, for example, a 25 µm metallised film with an OTR of 0.3–1 cm³/m²/24 hr and WVTR of 0.9–3 g/m²/24 hr.
Operational Flexibility
SML’s cast film lines are designed for rapid product changeover from MDO-PE to MDO-PP, CPE, CPP, or Cast-PET without mechanical adjustments. This multi-film capability maximizes capacity utilization and boosts profitability for film producers.
Partnerships for Performance
The 17 µm barrier film is the result of a strategic collaboration with Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics (ELITE™ resins) and Kuraray’s EVAL™ barrier polymers. “Working closely with our partners has allowed us to deliver truly high-performance, sustainable packaging solutions,” Mayerhofer adds.
With these advancements, SML is not only setting a new benchmark for mono-material packaging, but also reinforcing the industry’s shift toward circular, recyclable solutions that do more with less.
