MDO-PE: monomaterial film for sustainable packaging

MDO-PE is a 100% polyethylene film with high transparency, gloss and stiffness, suitable for printable outer layer with low saturation PE films. It is commonly used in the food industry for packaging e.g. confectionery, dairy products, snacks, coffee, dry pet food or cookies; in the pharmaceutical and consumer goods industry for packaging wet wipes, soap or liquid products. A sustainable packaging solution achieved through the application of high technology with excellent performance characteristics.

MDO-PE is a sustainable solution that aligns with the EU Plastics Strategy 2030, which calls for all plastic packaging to be recyclable or reusable. As a mono-material, MDO-PE is 100% recyclable, contributing to the circular economy. This helps reduce CO₂ emissions and minimizes environmental impact. In addition, the use of MDO-PE can reduce the amount of material needed for packaging, which also contributes to sustainability.

A particularly noteworthy advantage of our MDO PE film is that we can produce the plastic from a thickness of 15 to 50 microns, a thickness far superior to any other solution on the market.

A particular advantage of our MDO PE film is that we can produce the plastic from 15 to 50 microns thick, which offers a variety of packaging possibilities.

Technically, what is MDO-PE?

MDO-PE (Machine Direction Oriented Polyethylene) is a type of polyethylene film that has been oriented in the machine direction during its manufacture. This orientation process significantly improves the mechanical and optical properties of the material, making it ideal for a variety of flexible packaging applications.

How is this ideal film for sustainable packaging manufactured?

The MDO-PE film manufacturing process involves several key steps:

1. Extrusion: Polyethylene is melted and extruded into a continuous sheet. This initial process forms the basis of the film.
2. Orientation: The extruded sheet is stretched in the machine direction (MDO) through a series of heated rollers. This stretching aligns the polyethylene molecules, which improves the stiffness and strength of the film. The orientation can also be adjusted to achieve different levels of mechanical properties, depending on the specific needs of the application.
3. Cooling and winding: After orientation, the film is rapidly cooled to lock in the improved properties. It is then wound onto reels for storage and transport. This process ensures that the film maintains its quality and is ready for use in packaging applications.

MDO-PE production requires precise process control to ensure film quality. Any variation in temperature, stretching speed or cooling rate can affect the final properties of the material. This requires significant investment in technology and personnel training.

What are the properties of this monomaterial film?

MDO-PE film has several outstanding properties that make it superior to other packaging materials:

• High stiffness and strength: thanks to the orientation process, the film is stiffer and more tear and tensile resistant. This makes it ideal for applications requiring durability and protection.
• Gloss and transparency: It offers high gloss and transparency, enhancing the appearance of the packaged product. This is especially important in consumer product packaging, where visual presentation can influence purchasing decisions.
• Ease of sealing: Its ability to seal at low temperatures improves energy efficiency during packaging, reducing operating costs and environmental impact.

Why should you try our MDO-PE film?

• Sustainability: Our MDO-PE is 100% recyclable and contributes to the reduction of plastic waste. By choosing our product, companies can comply with environmental regulations.
• Superior quality: We offer a film with exceptional mechanical and optical properties, ideal for a wide range of packaging applications. The high quality of our MDO-PE ensures that packaged products are well protected and presented.
• Energy efficiency: Low temperature sealing capability reduces energy consumption during the packaging process, resulting in significant savings in operating costs.
• Visual appeal: The film’s high gloss and transparency enhance product presentation at the point of sale, which can increase sales and customer satisfaction. In addition, it is a film that is easy to print and can be customized with many accessories (treatments, coating, metallization…).

At Silvalac, we are constantly working to offer innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the needs of the FMCG and industrial flexible packaging industry.

We invite you to contact our team of experts if you need any advice to achieve the ideal flexible packaging solution for your business.