ExxonMobil and Videplast’s vacuum skin packaging solution

International energy company ExxonMobil has collaborated with Videplast, a Brazilian packaging converter, to develop a cost-effective vacuum skin packaging (VSP) solution that does not contain ionomers. This advanced packaging solution addresses the need for reduced film thickness while maintaining superior performance, making it an ideal choice for various food packaging applications.

By utilizing ExxonMobil’s Exceed XP 7052 ML performance polyethylene, the new solution meets market demands for high-performance, cost-effective packaging, the company said.

The key benefits are cost-effectiveness as the solution offers significant cost savings by reducing film thickness and eliminating the use of ionomers. Then there is enhanced protection as it provides superior protection from food spoilage, leakage, and contamination, ensuring product safety and quality. There is extended shelf life support – by removing air and providing a tight seal, the packaging extends the shelf life of perishable goods.

Prevention of freezer burn: The tight seal created by the packaging helps prevent freezer burn, maintaining product integrity. Improved product aesthetics: Outstanding optical properties allow for better product visibility and improved aesthetics in vertical display settings.

Solution details

Polymer production: The ExxonMobil’s Exceed XP 7052 ML performance polyethylene is used to create a high-quality, durable film with excellent barrier properties.

Film production: Videplast manufactures the VSP film utilizing advanced processing techniques to ensure optimal performance and consistency in the final product.

Vacuum pack process: The process involves optimal thermoformability and a high oxygen barrier, ensuring effective vacuum sealing and extended freshness of packaged goods.

ExxonMobil’s polyethylene portfolio offers converters and brand owners an extensive range of performance polymers as well as specialty co-polymers and additional polyethylene grades for numerous applications.

Challenge: Realize cost savings utilizing a vacuum skin packaging solution made without ionomer

Vacuum skin packaging is a type of packaging where a product is placed on a piece of tray (plastic or cardboard) and a thin barrier film is softened by heat and draped over the product on the tray. Vacuum is applied to ensure the film will cover the entire surface of a product/tray, removing as much air inside the package as possible.

Videplast, a Brazilian packaging converter, saw the chance to replace an existing resin to create a solution with reduced film thickness that does not contain ionomers. ”We identified an opportunity in both the national and international markets to develop a differentiated structure for the VSP film,” said Leonardo Nunes da Silva – R&D manager, Videplast. “Furthermore, by creating a unique structure in the market that does not contain ionomers, we anticipated an opportunity for us to offer our customers a high-performance, cost-effective solution.”

The relationship between Videplast and ExxonMobil is characterized by the development of projects that result in innovative solutions for the flexible plastic packaging market,” said Leandro Barcarolo Martinoto – R&D manager, Videplast.

“We consider our collaboration with ExxonMobil to be of the utmost relevance in terms of innovation and technology, prioritizing high quality and superior performance of the materials provided. When we requested a structure for the development of the skin film, we were promptly presented with an innovative proposal, aiming for market prominence. Through this work, we achieved the development of a down gauged structure that does not contain ionomers. This is the type of collaboration that helps drive not only our business but can also support shifts in industry standards. As our motto says: ‘engagement makes the difference,” Martinoto continued,

“The progress achieved in the VSP (Vacuum Skin Packaging) project generates high expectations. The implementation of VSP has the potential to generate substantial long-term savings. We are convinced of the positive impact that VSP will bring to our operations, expanding into new export markets, discovering innovative applications, and optimizing operational costs.”