Metallized White Film Offers Economic and Performance Benefits

ExxonMobil Chemical has introduced Metallyte(TM) UBW-ES, a new OPP film for flexible packaging. With ultra high barrier and enhanced seal technologies, this metallized white film offers economic and performance benefits compared with thin aluminum foil and sealant laminations.

Metallyte UBW-ES achieves weight reduction benefits by employing a two-layer lamination, as opposed to the typical three-layer laminate. With this simplified approach, a lamination layer is removed which results in an efficient converting process, reduced raw material costs and lower overall material weight. Depending on the structure replaced, structure simplification using Metallyte UBW-ES may result in total structure weight reductions of up to 30 percent.

ExxonMobil Chemical's enhanced sealant technology is a breakthrough for oriented polypropylene (OPP) films. Metallyte UBW-ES provides excellent seal strength (1500 g/2.5cm), seal integrity and the ability to seal through product contamination in the seal area, as compared to traditional OPP films.

ExxonMobil Chemical's ultra high barrier technology offers an exceptional barrier to gases, aromas, flavors and moisture. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of Metallyte UBW-ES is 0.3 g/m² (38°C, 90 percent RH, 24 hours), and its oxygen transmission rate (OTR) is 0.1 cc/m² (23°C and 0 percent RH, 24 hours).

“Metallyte UBW-ES has been developed in response to market demand for new, innovative flexible packaging solutions,” said Michael Degus, global market segment manager, Films Business of ExxonMobil Chemical. “An increasing number of our customers are seeking solutions to replace aluminum foil, which is at historic high prices. By replacing aluminum foil and sealant, UBW-ES offers a means to reduce costs as well as the amount of post consumer waste.”

Metallyte UBW-ES improves puncture and flex-crack resistance and enhances packaging appearance because its “inherent memory” helps prevent the “shop worn” look that is commonly associated with foil structures.

“Metallyte UBW-ES offers converters and end-users an alternative solution to aluminum foil that can reduce raw material weight and costs, while improving performance.” said Degus. “In fact, we have a number of commercial successes in which customers are taking advantage of the cost, performance and sustainability benefits that this new film offers.”