LG Chem and Reifenhäuser sign MOU to develop Machine Direction Oriented (MDO)-PE blown films and flat films for recyclable packaging
Aiming to surpass the normal market by producing recyclable films at competitive cost in a stable process
LG Chem and Reifenhäuser set new standards in downgauging for competitive production of MDO-PE films
South Korea’s leading global chemical company LG Chem and the extrusion machine manufacturer Reifenhäuser have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), confirming further extensive cooperation. The aim is to further develop and market competitive Machine Direction Oriented (MDO)-PE blown films and flat films for recyclable packaging. The partners are building on a successful track record: In May 2024, the companies had presented the world's first MDO-PE film only 18 micrometers (µm), which had been produced on an EVO Ultra Stretch blown film line from Reifenhäuser with specially developed PE materials (Polyethylene).
Bernd Reifenhäuser, CEO of the Reifenhäuser Group, says: “The demand for flexible mono-material packaging is growing rapidly. But MDO-PE films must be stable and economical to produce in order to make the leap from a niche to a broad market. With LG Chem and Reifenhäuser, we have found the perfect match of raw material, extrusion technology and process know-how that will pave the way. For the first time, processors will be able to produce recyclable MDO-PE films at competitive production costs in a stable process that can be optimally further processed.”
Dr. Lee Choong Hoon, Vice President and Head of NCC/PO Business Unit at LG Chem, adds: “We are very pleased to have found an experienced technology partner in Reifenhäuser to successfully combine sustainability and profitability. Our combined technology has achieved unprecedented records in downgauging MDO-PE film – and that was just the beginning. We will continue this path together to accelerate the recyclability for flexible packaging.”
Further downgauging for competitiveness
With perfectly coordinated system technology and formulation, processors will in future receive a tried and tested, complete package for immediate market access in the field of flexible mono-PE packaging. LG Chem and Reifenhäuser are also working on further reducing material consumption by downgauging towards the level of conventional PET-PE laminates and thus making the production of MDO-PE films more profitable. Technically, this is achieved due to the different densities of PET film and MDO-PE film by replacing the standard 12 µm PET film with a 16 to 17 µm MDO-PE film. With the reduction to 18 µm, the partners are already very close to achieving this goal. However, the experts see further potential: “The downgauging limit has not yet been reached,” says Christoph Lettowsky, Technical Sales Manager at Reifenhäuser Blown Film. “Thanks to the patented position of our MDO Ultra Stretch unit directly in the line's haul-off, the film is stretched from the first heat. This makes the process particularly stable, which is otherwise often the limiting factor for material reduction. We therefore see even more scope, which we will use in combination with further recipe developments for even thinner films in the future.”
The 18 µm MDO PE film without PFAS additives was produced stably and reproducibly over many hours in test runs at the Reifenhäuser technical center and then printed and processed into finished pouches. The demand for PFAS-free materials is growing mainly in Europe as PFAS does not decompose in nature and has negative impacts on the environment. International guests were able to see the reliability of the process and the performance of the film for themselves at an open house on November 7.
About LG Chem
LG Chem is a leading global chemical company with a diversified business portfolio in the key areas of petrochemicals, advanced materials, and life sciences. The company manufactures a wide range of products from high-value added petrochemicals to renewable plastics, specializing in cutting-edge electronic and battery materials, as well as drugs and vaccines to deliver differentiated solutions for its customers. LG Chem is committed to reaching carbonneutral growth by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 by managing the impacts of climate change and making positive contributions to society through renewable energy and responsible supply chains. Headquartered in Seoul, Korea, LG Chem has multiple operation sites worldwide and generated consolidated revenue of KRW 55.2 trillion (USD 41.6 billion) in 2023. For more information, please visit www.lgchem.com.
About the Reifenhäuser Group
The Reifenhäuser Group together with its highly specialized business units is the leading provider of innovative technologies and components for plastics extrusion. Founded in 1911, the company is a global supplier of high-tech solutions. With its technologies and the know-how of its 1,750 employees, Reifenhäuser has the world's largest network of expertise in plastics extrusion technologies. The CEO of the Group is Bernd Reifenhäuser.
