ExxonMobil Signature Polymers and Partners Develop Ultra-Thin, Recyclable Bread Bags
- Published: December 8, 2025, By Trevor
ExxonMobil Signature Polymers partnered with BW Converting and Hosokawa Alpine to create a thinner, mono-material polyethylene (PE) solution using Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) technology. Together, they produced 25-micron MDO PE films that match the stiffness, tear resistance, and optical quality of traditional PP/PE structures and remain compatible with existing bread bag lines. While packaging bread may seem simple, meeting performance expectations requires smart material design. Bags must deliver strong tear resistance, clear optics for shelf appeal, and support downgauging for improved efficiency and cost benefits. Traditional coextruded PP/PE films offer these properties but, at 30–38 microns and made from multiple materials, pose challenges for recyclability. Key resins used in the MDO PE films included:
- Exceed™ HD 6107 – optimized for flawless MDO processing
- Exceed™ Stiff+ m 0238 – contributed to stiffness and mechanical performance
- Exceed™ Stiff+ m 0820 – enhanced overall processability and durability
The collaboration spanned the full value chain, with BW Converting converting the films into gusseted bread bags on Hudson-Sharp Apollo wicketed bag machines — achieving the thinnest film yet run on these lines — while HOBA confirmed compatibility across both manual and automated closing systems. Key results include:
- Production of ultra-thin 25-micron bread bags, the thinnest ever run on BW Converting’s lines
- Trouble-free bag making on dual-use lines for PE and PP structures, allowing easy and cost-effective switching
- Excellent critical transverse-direction tear resistance, crucial for crusty bread types
- PP-level optical properties with low film haze (6–7.5)
- Anticipated high performance under freezer conditions
These MDO PE bread bags, designed for recyclability*, provide a mono-material alternative to traditional PP/PE structures without compromising performance, demonstrating the value of cross-industry collaboration and innovative polymer solutions. ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy companies, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world's growing energy needs. The company recently launched its new ExxonMobil Signature Polymers portfolio brand, which focuses on delivering best-in-class service and partnerships within the polymers industry. ExxonMobil Signature Polymers unifies ExxonMobil's polyolefin products under a single brand, simplifying portfolio navigation and promoting enhanced collaboration across the value chain. To check out the full case study, visit here.
About ExxonMobil Signature Polymers
ExxonMobil Signature Polymers was born from the belief that people fuel progress. From automotive and construction to packaging, agriculture, industrial, and beyond, we leverage the scale and reach of ExxonMobil to deliver the insights and innovations that empower our diverse, global partners to take their businesses to new heights. We continuously work to provide the listen-first, service-driven, game-changing collaboration that unlocks opportunities for our partners and advances business goals.
