Sabic’s multilayer film offers sustainable economic value

Sabic is introducing a new multilayer film packaging concept at the K show that aims to improve performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability, marking a new approach to leveraging Sabic’s polyolefin portfolio, according to the company. Among its benefits, it produces resin combinations that offer converters significant material and energy savings while optimizing manufacturing and packaging performance.

Sabic’s multilayer film concept is designed to enhance product performance and expand the choice of raw materials to end markets such as compression packaging, hygienic packaging, lamination, and shrink film. The concept supports film packaging applications that comprise up to five layers or more. These 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.

The new film is capable of balancing specifications such as high gloss or tear resistance, while optimizing packaging performance. At the same time, it opens up new application areas and greater levels of sustainability performance, replacing traditional materials with lightweight packaging solutions.

The multilayer concept enables manufacturers to create more value, including significant cost and material savings, improved downgauging options, lower energy consumption, and higher processing speeds. This is because the resin combination for every item in production can be tailored to get the most out of each manufacturer’s extrusion equipment and capabilities. Using this customized approach, manufacturers can achieve downgauging options that reduce thicknesses by up to 20%. Not only does this improve cost-efficiency, but it also helps to make film packaging production more eco-responsible.

Moreover, the Sabic LDPE materials used in this concept are produced with Sabic’s PE tubular technology—the more sustainable alternative to the traditional autoclave technology. With the tubular technology, Sabic is able to reduce air emissions significantly while minimizing energy consumption and waste during the production process.

“Our multilayer film approach underscores Sabic’s commitment to innovation,” commented Eric Hogenboom, European business director PE–Sabic. “From our perspective, innovation doesn’t stop with enhancing new materials or technologies. Combining existing elements more smartly can produce solutions that exceed the current standards of cost efficiency and packaging performance. We continue to explore new ways of enhancing the economic and environmental performance of our packaging customers.”