Collaborative Innovation for the Future of Packaging
LG Chem, a global leader in chemical solutions, and Reifenhäuser, a pioneer in extrusion technology, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate the development of Machine Direction Oriented Polyethylene (MDO-PE) films. This strategic partnership aims to deliver cost-effective, recyclable solutions for flexible packaging—offering sustainability without compromising performance.
Building on their earlier success, the companies introduced the world’s first MDO-PE film with a thickness of just 18 micrometers (µm) in May 2024, marking a significant milestone in material efficiency and packaging innovation.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Mono-Material Packaging
Bernd Reifenhäuser, CEO of the Reifenhäuser Group, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:
“The demand for flexible mono-material packaging is increasing rapidly. With LG Chem and Reifenhäuser, we bring together the perfect combination of raw material expertise, extrusion technology, and process know-how—setting new standards for recyclable, cost-efficient MDO-PE films.”
Pushing the Limits of Material Downgauging
The joint initiative focuses on downgauging MDO-PE films to achieve thickness levels comparable to traditional PET-PE laminates. This approach replaces 12 µm PET layers with 16–17 µm MDO-PE films, optimizing production efficiency while maintaining performance.
Christoph Lettowsky, Technical Sales Manager at Reifenhäuser Blown Film, explained:
“The downgauging limit has not yet been reached. Our patented MDO Ultra Stretch unit enables stretching from the very first heat, ensuring a stable process and supporting further material reduction.”
Why MDO-PE Films Matter
This innovation brings multiple advantages to the packaging industry:
- Sustainability: PFAS-free materials significantly reduce environmental impact.
- Cost Efficiency: Streamlined production processes cut operational costs.
- High Performance: Films maintain strong functionality for diverse packaging applications.
Dr. Lee Choong Hoon, Vice President at LG Chem, shared his perspective:
“Our combined technology has achieved remarkable progress in downgauging MDO-PE films—delivering a perfect balance between sustainability and profitability.”
Looking Ahead: A Circular Future for Packaging
Both companies remain committed to advancing film technology, with ongoing research targeting even thinner, more sustainable MDO-PE films. Successful test runs at Reifenhäuser’s technical center have validated the reliability of these processes, paving the way for commercial-scale adoption.
This collaboration reflects a shared vision: driving innovation to enable a circular economy in packaging—without sacrificing performance or efficiency.