Flexible packing boost following mLLDPE resin launch

The commercial start up of Starflex – the new line of metallocene linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE) resins - will deliver flexible packing that is stronger but also lighter, with the clear cost cutting potential, said the Dutch-based company.

LyondellBasell is the world’s third largest petrochemicals firm and is also a major supplier to the pharmaceutical industry. It US operations are currently under bankruptcy protection.

Metalloceneresins are “well-recognised”​ for their outstanding dart impact and puncture resistance properties, said the company. Other characteristics for the substance include superior organoleptics, improved clarity as well as excellent hot tack and heat seal benefits.

“It is these characteristics that make Starflex resins ideally suited for high-performance film applications such as food and medical packaging, shrink wrap and heavy duty shipping sacks, among others,”​ a company spokesman told FoodProductionDaily.com.

High performance​

The new resins will give producers the ability to make the “highest quality films”​ that incorporate good odour and taste properties, along with consistent package seals. Thanks to mLLDPE’s improved optics, converters will also be able to design films that provide greater transparency without compromising on toughness and strength, added the company.

Lightweighting​

The company said that by improving the physical properties in its metallocene resins, greater lightweighting becomes possible.

"Our customers can take advantage of the improved physical properties in Starflex resins over conventional LLDPE resins to downgauge their flexible packages, resulting in material savings and improved sustainability",​ said new business development manager Steve Imfeld.

He added the lighter end products, lower inventory requirements and resulting cut in wasted resources would all present potential cost savings.

“By further expanding our portfolio of metallocene polyethylene resins, LyondellBasell is demonstrating its commitment to provide products that drive superior performance while delivering value to our customers,"​ said Jim Clark, LyondellBasell’s business manager for polyethylene flexible applications in the region.

Last week, the company announced it was to close a low density polyethylene (LDPE) plant in the UK by the end of the year on continued weak demand and as part of its strategy phase out uneconomic facilities from its global operations.