**Colombia**: ExxonMobil has introduced its Signature Polymers portfolio, targeting enhanced collaboration in the polyolefin market. A partnership with Alico reveals new eco-friendly shrink barrier bags, addressing local needs and outperforming imported options, showcasing the potential of strategic alliances in driving packaging innovation.
ExxonMobil, an international leader in the energy sector, has unveiled its new Signature Polymers portfolio brand, aiming to streamline its polyolefin products and enhance collaboration within the polymers industry. This initiative is in response to the escalating global energy demands, and it notably seeks to provide “best-in-class service and partnerships” across the value chain, as stated by the company.
In an illustrative case of this initiative, Colombian packaging manufacturer Alico faced the challenge of producing high-performance shrink barrier bags that could rival or surpass the quality of imported products. The aim was to fulfil three primary requirements: effective oxygen barrier properties, a significant range of shrinkability, and an optimal balance of mechanical and optical properties. Alico collaborated closely with ExxonMobil and Kuraray, leading to the creation of the Termoflex +B barrier shrink bags. This solution employed Exceed™ Tough+ m 0512—a Signature Polymers product—and EVAL™’s unique orientable EVOH grades.
The collaboration yielded notable achievements, including the successful local production of shrink barrier bags that matched or exceeded the performance of imported alternatives. The development also resulted in the elimination of traditional materials such as PET and PVdC while maintaining essential barrier properties. Furthermore, the new bags demonstrated an improved Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) at elevated humidity levels compared to previous solutions and showed comparable shelf life for fresh meats, confirmed through extensive field trials.
Diana Maya, Senior TS&D Engineer at Kuraray, commented on the project’s success, stating, “It was a privilege to engage in collaborative efforts on this innovative project. Involving the entire value chain significantly boosted the likelihood of success.” She highlighted the role of the brand owner, SuperCerdo, as well as Alico’s converting capabilities and the support from ExxonMobil and Kuraray in forming a productive team dedicated to creating a more sustainable packaging solution.
The Termoflex +B bags are set to be utilised by local meat producers in Colombia, including Super Cerdo Paisa, a family-run business with over six decades of experience in the pork industry. Ovidio Salazar, Research & Development Manager at Alico, remarked, “By partnering with ExxonMobil Signature Polymers and Kuraray, we leveraged our expertise, market knowledge, and advanced triple bubble technology know-how to become one of the first converters in Colombia to produce this type of film.” He added that developing this film in-house not only enhances Alico’s market competitiveness but also aids clients in increasing their productivity.
This project exemplifies how strategic partnerships and technological advancements can drive innovation in sustainable packaging solutions, effectively addressing the specific needs of local markets.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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