Ultra-Thin Hygiene Compression Packaging Films by ExxonMobil
- Published: June 25, 2026, By Trevor
ExxonMobil Signature Polymers developed ultra-thin hygiene compressions packaging films with sustainability benefits and strong performance.
ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy companies, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world's growing energy needs. The company recently launched its new ExxonMobil Signature Polymers portfolio brand, which focuses on delivering best-in-class service and partnerships within the polymers industry. ExxonMobil Signature Polymers unifies ExxonMobil's polyolefin products under a single brand, simplifying portfolio navigation and promoting enhanced collaboration across the value chain.
Hygiene compression packaging converters are facing the challenge of developing films that deliver sustainability benefits – including downgauging, incorporating recycled content, and designing for recyclability – without compromising machinability or package performance, particularly when incorporating post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.
To address this challenge, the ExxonMobil Signature Polymers team worked across the value chain to develop two monomaterial polyethylene (PE) film solutions with reduced film thickness and/or the incorporation of up to 35% PCR content. Built around Exceed™ Tough+ m 0518 polyethylene, together with ExxonMobil™ HD 6207FL and/or ExxonMobil™ LD 07523 polymers, the formulations were designed to maintain performance and processability requirements while using only three PE grades.
In ExxonMobil’s formulation, Exceed™ Tough+ m 0518 helps enhance the production of films with improved toughness and puncture resistance. When combined with ExxonMobil™ HD 6207FL polymers, it results in high stiffness and excellent creep resistance, helping the package maintain dimensional stability throughout and after the packaging process. Minor additions of ExxonMobil™ LD 07523 polymers can be employed to adjust processability and optical features.
The films were made on lines located in an ExxonMobil facility, converted on Hudson-Sharp’s Apollo wicket machine, and subsequently formed and sealed using Optima’s machinery. The two PE film formulations demonstrated excellent sealability, easy side cutting and punching, high machine output, fast changeovers, and easy machinability on Optima’s equipment. The films also exhibited sufficient stiffness to prevent film elongation during handling and a good coefficient of friction for the grippers.
The resulting films are tailored to meet expectations regarding packaging solutions with sustainability benefits such as downgauging and incorporation of PCR content, while also ensuring package integrity and visual appeal on shelves. A seamless bagging operation at high speeds can be achieved without operational changes to end-user machine settings, and good printability and optical properties enable effective product promotion.
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About ExxonMobil Signature Polymers
ExxonMobil Signature Polymers was born from the belief that people fuel progress. From automotive and construction to packaging, agriculture, industrial, and beyond, we leverage the scale and reach of ExxonMobil to deliver the insights and innovations that empower our diverse, global partners to take their businesses to new heights. We continuously work to provide the listen-first, service-driven, game-changing collaboration that unlocks opportunities for our partners and advances business goals.
