Reifenhäuser Blown Film has achieved a significant milestone by producing the world’s first 18-micrometer-thick machine direction oriented polyethylene (MDO-PE) film, exceeding previous market standards in mechanical properties, appearance, and processing. Developed on Reifenhäuser EVO blown film lines with LG Chem and BOBST, the film saves about 25% material compared to 25-micron films, making recyclable mono-material structures more economical.
Christoph Lettowsky, Senior Product Manager at Reifenhäuser Blown Film, notes, “With the reduction to 18 µm, we have taken a significant step in this direction – with further downgauging potential for the future.”
The film combines MDO Ultra Stretch technology with suitable raw materials, ensuring high process stability. It meets the current market standard for stretched PE films, with a modulus of elasticity MD exceeding 1,400 MPa and a modulus of elasticity TD exceeding 1,100 MPa. Additionally, with a haze of less than 5%, the film performs better in optical properties than the market standard of 6 to 7%.
Despite its thinness, the film impressed BOBST, with Davide Rossello stating, “The way this extra-thin 18-micron MDO-PE blown film behaves on our printing machines is unique.”
Samples of the new film will be exhibited at drupa 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany, from May 28 to June 7 at the BOBST stand B30-1 in hall 10. Mohamed Timol, an expert for MDO processes and applications from Reifenhäuser, will be present at the stand as the contact person for further information. This development showcases the potential of outstanding machines, processes, and materials to create sustainable packaging solutions with lower manufacturing costs and reduced environmental impact.