INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe has announced a multi-million Euro investment in technology in a move designed to enable the firm to work with converters, brands and retailers to develop ‘simpler, more recyclable’ flexible packaging film.
Using new multilayer, blown line technology with Machine Direction Orientation (MDO), INEOS and partners will work together to develop, design and produce polyethylene and polypropylene-based flexible packaging film using fewer polymers, increasing the recyclability of the product.
INEOS revealed it is the only raw material supplier to have invested in an inline MDO-multilayer line from Hosokawa Alpine, which heats and stretches polymer films to improve their physical and barrier properties, enabling them to be used in different product applications.
The new line will be installed in INEOS’ R&D labs in Brussels, Belgium, in 2023, where the company will develop new, mono-material flexible film packaging products.
Rob Ingram, chief executive, INEOS O&P Europe North, said, “This investment is further evidence of our commitment to taking action across the value chain to create a more sustainable future. Flexible packaging films keep our food fresh and safe to eat, but we recognise and share people’s concerns about plastic waste.
“I’m excited about the prospect of working closely with our partners to use this world-leading technology to develop new capabilities and a more recyclable solution for this important product.”
