Yair Gellis – MDO-PE as a building block for FFS packaging made from a single material
In his presentation, consultant Yair Gellis highlighted the potential of MDO-oriented polyethylene films (MDO-PE).
- Targeted machine direction orientation can significantly improve mechanical properties, enabling PE monomaterials to replace PP or PET laminates in many applications.
- Particular advantages lie in the recyclability: single-type PE structures meet the requirements of the PPWR and the current ZSVR minimum standards better than multilayer combinations.
- Challenges exist primarily in terms of seal seam strength and barrier properties, which must be remedied by additives or functional coatings.
- Gellis emphasised that MDO-PE is already being tested in practical applications and is likely to shape developments in the coming years.
Dr Anina Leipold – Efficient processing of monomaterials and paper on VFFS machines: challenges and solutions
Dr Anina Leipold from Rovema highlighted the machinery and process requirements for the use of monomaterials on vertical form-fill-seal (FFS) machines.
- MDO-PE films exhibit different thermal and welding behaviour than conventional multilayers, which requires adjustment of the process window.
- Targeted modifications to sealing stations and extraction units enable stable packaging to be achieved even with challenging monomaterials.
- Practical trials show that productivity and packaging quality can be comparable to conventional materials with optimised machine settings.
- Leipold emphasised that only the interaction of film development and machine technology would enable a successful market launch.
Conclusion:
The two presentations made it clear that monomaterials based on MDO-PE are technically feasible and offer a future-proof solution in terms of recyclability and regulatory requirements. However, close cooperation between film manufacturers, machine builders and fillers is crucial for successful implementation.
For the first time, you can also register for the Inno-Talk here at a later date.