ExxonMobil Chemical Launches New Line of Coated Polyester Films

ExxonMobil Chemical has announced the launch of XPET 700 and XPET 800 a new line of high-barrier coated polyester (PET) films for fresh food markets, lidding and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) applications.

This is ExxonMobil Chemical Films Business first offering of a wider range of flexible substrates beyond oriented polypropylene (OPP) films. The company employed its leading proprietary technologies and product application expertise in water-based coating for this expansion to new product-packaging markets. The intent is to serve customers in market segments where coated polyester provides the best solution for their product packaging needs.

The company's new coating facility in Virton, Belgium, which started up in early 2005, will supply the XPET products.

The solvent-free coated films offer outstanding transparency, print receptivity and gas barriers. Other performance attributes include heat-, tensile- and chemical resistance.

XPET 700 film (14 microns), is coated on one side with high-barrier polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC). This provides an oxygen barrier of less than 8cc/m2/day and water vapor barrier of less than 8g/m2/day. When laminated to a hermetic sealant film, it offers an ideal solution for MAP packaging to extend the shelf life of fresh foods such as meat, cheese and baked goods. Such laminates typically are used as printed lids for thermoformed trays. They are also suitable for Vertical Form Fill and Seal (VFFS), Horizontal Form Fill and Seal (HFFS), Stand- Up Pouches (SUP) packaging formats and pre-made bags.

XPET 800 film (13 microns) is coated on one side with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), a non-halogenated polymer. This results in an exceptional oxygen barrier of below 1cc/m2/day in dry conditions. The film provides an ideal packaging solution for dry meats and spices, for some refrigerated applications where gas or chemical protection is required, and where aroma preservation is essential such as with coffee. XPET800 offers superior print quality due to very low residual solvents.

Applications using these new films can be found at the company's stand (B13) in Hall 7 at Interpack 2005 in Dusseldorf, Germany, April 21-27.