ExxonMobil collaborates with Kuraray, GAP, and G.Mondini to develop an innovative ionomer-free vacuum skin packaging solution using Exceed performance polyethylene resins and EVAL EVOH barrier material, reducing costs while maintaining superior performance attributes for food packaging applications.
ExxonMobil has developed an ionomer-free vacuum skin packaging solution that promises to transform food packaging economics while maintaining premium performance standards. The innovation, created through collaboration with Kuraray, GAP, and G.Mondini, addresses long-standing industry challenges related to material costs and supply chain vulnerabilities.
The new solution emerges as manufacturers increasingly seek alternatives to traditional ionomer-based vacuum packaging, which ExxonMobil said in a case study has been "easily impacted by ionomer material shortage, hence be expensive to produce." By eliminating ionomer dependency, the formulation offers both cost savings and supply chain resilience.
Unified brand strategy
The development aligns with ExxonMobil's recent launch of its ExxonMobil Signature Polymers portfolio brand, which "focuses on delivering best-in-class service and partnerships within the polymers industry," according to the company. This unified brand consolidates ExxonMobil's polyolefin products, simplifying portfolio navigation and promoting enhanced collaboration across the value chain.
Technical innovation through partnership
ExxonMobil formulated the high-performance structure using its Exceed performance polyethylene resins and ExxonMobil EVA, while Kuraray contributed EVAL EVOH barrier material. The company said the formulation specifically incorporates three key resins: Exceed Flow+ m 0516 metallocene polyethylene for "excellent optical and mechanical properties with good sealing performance," Exceed Tough+ m 0512 metallocene polyethylene for superior forming capabilities, and ExxonMobil EVA 06519FL polymer for "forming, ensuring a tight fit around the object."
GAP, an Italy-based blown film extrusion specialist, produced the blown film, which was subsequently validated on G.Mondini's vacuum skin packaging lines. Testing demonstrated excellent performance across both semi-automatic and automatic systems, including Multivac equipment, according to ExxonMobil.
Performance advantages
The ionomer-free solution, according to ExxonMobil delivers impressive technical specifications, including an "outstanding gloss level of 81, and transparency (haze 7.5%)." These performance attributes ensure "durability throughout distribution and help achieve premium visual quality on shelf."
Critical performance characteristics remain intact, including seal integrity, toughness properties such as tear and puncture resistance, optical clarity, and barrier protection. ExxonMobil said manufacturers face the ongoing challenge of "maintaining critical performance attributes" while "reducing costs and minimizing dependency" on expensive materials — a balance this innovation successfully achieves.
The solution enables efficient, reliable production while reducing raw material costs and supply dependency, meeting expectations of both manufacturers and end users in today's competitive food packaging market.