MDO PE films for sustainable and recyclable flexible packaging

Fully recyclable packaging: RKW Horizon® is the new generation of sustainable PE plastic films based on state-of-the-art MDO technology.

Especially when it comes to plastic packaging for consumer goods, consumers are demanding more sustainability, as this is the only way they will be accepted in the long term. Therefore, the RKW ECORE® sustainability portfolio has been expanded to include mono-axially stretched PE films (MDO PE), which are marketed under the brand name RKW Horizon®. The RKW Horizon® product portfolio of MDO films is unique worldwide and includes highly transparent MDO films and print carriers, with oxygen barrier if desired, as well as white opaque variants.

When MDO PE films are laminated with a functional PE sealing film, the result is packaging made from a single raw material: polyethylene. Unlike many conventional pouch packaging, these are single-grade and therefore fully recyclable.

"Especially as a manufacturer of high-quality plastic films, we are aware of our responsibility. That's why we have bundled our development resources and created a product portfolio that provides optimum protection for food," explains Luc Hermans, Director Sales Consumer Packaging, adding, "We are developing materials that meet the requirements for a smaller carbon footprint, improved recyclability and increased use of recycled plastics."

Our RKW Horizon® films meet the high requirements of flexible packaging manufacturers in terms of tear resistance, transparency, gloss, printability and good processability. In addition, the films feature excellent machinability on conventional packaging equipment.

MDO films can be used for a wide variety of packaging forms, such as stand-up pouches, gusseted pouches, pillow pouches and sachets or as lid films. Areas of application are mainly the packaging of confectionery and snacks, coffee and tea as well as frozen foods, but MDO films can also be used in the non-food sector for the packaging of pet food, personal care products or cleaning and detergents.