ExxonMobil Chemical is introducing a more sustainable stretch film for packaging.

The Vistamaxx PBE propylene-based elastomer keeps sacks of polymer pellets secure and stable on a pallet and also allows 16 percent less material use, helping to lower costs.

ExxonMobil’s Meerhout, Belgium, plant formerly used stretch film based on metallocene polyethylene in the outer layers with ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer in the core layer to hold bags on pallets. The operation sought a more sustainable option with a high stretch ratio of 55 percent.

Vistamaxx PBE was chosen for the core layer at a level of 15 percent and EVA copolymer at 85 percent, while the outer layer is Exceed metallocene PE. Vistamaxx allows softness and elastic recovery to be enhanced.

Selene Spa of Lucca, Italy makes the film structure in Italy.

“Compared to standard EVA-based films, the addition of Vistamaxx PBE provides good opportunities to downgauge stretch hood films and improve the flexibility,” notes Selene technical department official Marco Rubertá, in a news release.

ExxonMobil in the Americas, tel. 281-870-6050, in Europe, tel. 420-239-016-274, in Asia tel. 86-21-241-73999.