ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy companies, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world's growing energy needs. The company recently launched its new ExxonMobil Signature Polymers portfolio brand, which focuses on delivering best-in-class service and partnerships within the polymers industry. ExxonMobil Signature Polymers unifies ExxonMobil's polyolefin products under a single brand, simplifying portfolio navigation and promoting enhanced collaboration across the value chain.

Videplast, a converter based in Santa Catarina, Brazil, sought to develop a mono-material polyethylene (PE) pet food packaging solution that delivers strong stiffness and toughness at a reduced gauge, enabling cost savings while maintaining performance. The challenge was to match the mechanical strength, print quality and aesthetics of PET-based packaging while addressing the inherent differences in machinability and surface properties between PET and PE.

The solution was developed through a partnership between Videplast, Haver & Boecker, and ExxonMobil Signature Polymers, combining advanced materials and processing technologies to meet stringent mechanical, aesthetic and design requirements. After defining the optimal film architecture, extensive laboratory testing validated resin performance, leading to the selection of Exceed™ Stiff+ m 0926 (for stiffness/toughness balance) and Exceed™ Stiff+ m 0238 (for stiffness and processability) to enable a high-performance mono-material PE structure.

Production used multilayer coextrusion with high-performance polyethylene to ensure uniform thickness, process stability and efficient manufacturability even at reduced material usage. The film then underwent high-performance flexographic printing to achieve strong ink adhesion and premium visual quality, followed by lamination, alignment and precision rewinding to ensure durability, print protection and dimensional accuracy. The resulting FFS rolls are designed for high-speed automatic filling and sealing lines capable of producing up to 2,400 bags per hour.

Key results include:

• Downgauging achieved without performance loss – Film thickness reduced from 180µm to 160µm while maintaining required mechanical and optical performance
• Material efficiency gains – Lower raw material usage enabled direct cost savings and improved overall packaging efficiency
• Improved productivity and competitiveness – Enhanced production efficiency supported stronger positioning in cost-sensitive markets
• Expanded market opportunities – Increased attractiveness for export markets, including regions with stringent technical requirements 

 “This advancement strengthened the company’s positioning and expanded its portfolio of high-value-added solutions,” said Enzo De Nardi, Director, Videplast. “In addition to the mechanical and optical performance provided by ExxonMobil Signature Polymers, the decision was driven by strategic factors that ensured the project’s success. There was strong synergy between ExxonMobil technological solutions and Videplast’s production capabilities, particularly in the extrusion and printing of PE/PE structures.”

Together, Videplast, Haver & Boecker and ExxonMobil Signature Polymers delivered a high-performance, downgauged packaging solution that enhances efficiency, reduces costs and expands access to new market opportunities without compromising quality.

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