TotalEnergies, a global producer of polymers, and SML, an Austrian extrusion technology specialist, have jointly developed two polyethylene film solutions focused on downgauging for flexible packaging. The first is a 60 μm film for re-sealable barrier stand-up pouches that combines polyethylene with a thin ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer layer to provide oxygen barrier performance. According to the partners, film flatness and performance are maintained while enabling thickness reduction of more than 30 percent compared with conventional PE/PET structures. The film is designed for use with or without lamination and, when used alone, it can simplify recycling. The second solution targets deep-freeze bags and is an unlaminated MDO-PE cast film. It achieves a 35 to 50 percent thickness reduction versus typical deep-freeze bag constructions and avoids an energy-consuming lamination step. Both films are made with TotalEnergies' Lumicene Supertough, are fully recyclable and suitable for existing recycling streams, contributing to the development of a circular economy for plastics. The companies plan to present the films at K 2025 in Düsseldorf, with samples on the TotalEnergies stand E20 in hall 6 and on the SML stand C39-42 in hall 17.
Film for barrier stand-up pouches
The first film is engineered for re-sealable barrier stand-up pouch applications. It combines polyethylene with a thin EVOH layer to achieve oxygen barrier properties, while targeting downgauging of over 30 percent compared with PE/PET structures. The 60 μm film is designed for versatility. It can be used with or without lamination and, when applied as a monomaterial structure, it simplifies end-of-life handling by facilitating recycling.
Film for deep-freeze bags
The second film is a cast MDO-PE solution for deep-freeze bag applications. Delivered without lamination, it enables thickness reduction in the range of 35 to 50 percent relative to conventional deep-freeze bag structures, while avoiding an additional, energy-consuming lamination process.
Presentation at K 2025 and statements
Both films are made with Lumicene Supertough and are described by the partners as fully recyclable and compatible with existing recycling streams. They will be exhibited at K 2025 in Düsseldorf from October 8 to 15, on the TotalEnergies stand E20 in hall 6 and the SML stand C39-42 in hall 17.
"By combining our innovative polymers with SML's high-performance cast film technology, these new films contribute to innovative packaging solutions, aligning with manufacturer needs. They illustrate our approach to polymer development, which includes rethinking their use and reducing their environmental impact through enhanced material properties," said Olivier Greiner, Vice President, Polymers Europe & Orient at TotalEnergies.
"SML's cast MDO technology demonstrates its full strength when combined with high performance resins such as Lumicene Supertough polymers, delivering excellence in both product quality and line performance," said Elias Mayrhofer, Product Manager at SML.
On the left, mock-up of a barrier stand-up pouch for the first film. On the right, mock-up of a deep-freeze bag for the second film.
