In a significant stride towards sustainable packaging, NOVA Chemicals Corporation has joined forces with industry partners to establish the global supply of biaxially oriented high-density polyethylene (BOPE-HD) film. This innovative film, produced using NOVA Chemicals’ resin, offers a fully recyclable alternative to traditional mixed-material films, contributing to waste reduction and prolonging the lifespan of plastic packaging.
BOPE-HD film has gained traction among biaxial film manufacturers worldwide, including Inteplast (United States), JK Materials (South Korea), Oben Group (Ecuador), and Polivouga (Portugal). By leveraging NOVA Chemicals’ SURPASS® TX150-A resin, these manufacturers have successfully produced BOPE-HD film on commercial tenter frame lines, meeting the surging global demand for recyclable packaging.
The development of BOPE-HD required intensive collaboration and dedicated innovation. Rafael Bayona, Director of Research and Development and Technology at Inteplast, emphasized the meticulous process, stating, “Producing BOPE-HD film was not a simple process. This was a major transformation that demanded persistence and dedication, and we are confident in our ability to reliably produce BOPE-HD film.”
BOPE-HD films offer high performance and sustainability, making them ideal for various applications such as meat and poultry, cheese, seafood, snack food, baked goods, and fresh produce. Aurum Process Technology, a Spanish packaging company, has harnessed BOPE-HD to enhance their T-Sensation® process technology for aseptic industrial cooking and packaging, resulting in fully recyclable, mono-material packaging for finished particulate food, ready meals, and pet food.
Supporting the production of BOPE-HD films are equipment suppliers like Brückner Maschinenbau, who have sold 18 BOPE/BOPP hybrid lines worldwide. These lines facilitate increased capacity, crucial for further advancements in BOPE-HD solutions. Film manufacturer Polivouga, one of the companies utilizing Brückner lines, has invested in hybrid equipment to meet the demand for BOPE-HD film.
About NOVA Chemicals Corporation
NOVA Chemicals aims to create a world where plastic products contribute to a sustainable future. With a focus on a plastics circular economy and a commitment to environmental stewardship, NOVA Chemicals offers a portfolio of virgin and recycled resins for the production of easy-to-recycle and recycled content films, packaging, and products. As a responsible industry player, NOVA Chemicals prioritizes health, safety, security, and sustainability through its global operations.