TotalEnergies teams with SML to launch downgauging film at K 2025
On the left, mock-up of a barrier stand-up pouch for the first film On the right, mock-up of a deep-freeze bag for the second film.
TotalEnergies and SML have created two cutting-edge films that, via effective downgauging, allow for material reductions in stand-up pouch and deep-freeze bag applications.
To provide good oxygen barrier qualities, the first film, which is intended for resealable barrier stand-up pouch applications, blends polyethylene with a thin layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH). In comparison to PE/PET constructions, it offers superior film flatness and downgauging of approximately 30% without sacrificing performance.
The versatile 60μm film can be used with or without lamination and makes recycling easier when used alone.
The second film, designed for deep-freeze bag applications, is an unlaminated MDO-PE cast film that eliminates the need for an energy-intensive laminating process by achieving a thickness reduction of between 35% and 50% when compared to traditional deep-freeze bag structures.
Made with TotalEnergies’ Lumicene Supertough, both films are fully recyclable, suitable for existing recycling streams and contributing to the development of a circular economy for plastics. They reflect the shared ambition of TotalEnergies and SML to provide customers with flexible packaging solutions that enhance sustainability. This also allows cost-efficiency through effective downgauging.
These two films will be exhibited at K 2025 in Düsseldorf from October 8-15, at TotalEnergies stand (E20/Hall6) and SML stand (C39-42/Hall17).
“By combining our innovative polymers with SML’s high-performance cast film technology, these new films contribute to innovative packaging solutions, aligning with manufacturer needs. They illustrate our approach to polymer development, which includes rethinking their use and reducing their environmental impact through enhanced material properties, said Olivier Greiner, vice president, Polymers Europe & Orient at TotalEnergies.
“SML’s cast MDO technology demonstrates its full strength when combined with high-performance resins such as Lumicene Supertough polymers – delivering excellence in both product quality and line performance,” says Elias Mayrhofer, product manager at SML.
