ExxonMobil Signature Polymers and Partners Create High-Performance, Recyclable Mono-Material Packaging

Published: January 28, 2026, By Trevor

ExxonMobil Signature Polymers collaborated with Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H), B&B, and Henkel to develop a mono-material polyethylene (PE) pouch solution. The collaboration resulted in a mono-material PE pouch that combines high-performance stiffness, excellent optical properties, and robust sealing performance while supporting recyclability.

As the global packaging industry moves toward a more circular economy, converters and brand owners are seeking solutions that are designed for recyclability without compromising performance. Traditional multi-material films – such as coextruded PP/PE or BOPP-based laminates – deliver stiffness, optical clarity, and print quality, but they are often difficult to recycle and do not support downgauging. This challenge is further amplified by evolving regulations, including the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which emphasizes the need for recyclable packaging that maintains structural integrity and shelf performance.

To meet this challenge, ExxonMobil Signature Polymers collaborated with Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H), B&B, and Henkel to develop a mono-material polyethylene (PE) pouch solution. W&H’s Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) technology was used to produce an ultra-thin 25 μm PE substrate with outstanding stiffness, optical quality, and printability, comparable to conventional BOPP films.

A 5-layer sealant web was formulated using ExxonMobil Signature Polymers resins and laminated with Henkel’s recycling-compatible PU adhesive, creating a mono-material PE structure designed for recyclability. Finally, B&B converted the laminated film into high-performance stand-up pouches on its STBB 8K equipment, delivering both process efficiency and consistent package quality.

Key resins used in the MDO PE substrate and sealant web include:

• Exceed™ HD 6107 – high stiffness and excellent processability for MDO applications
• Exceed™ Stiff+ m 0238 & m 0820 – bubble stability, stiffness, and process stability
• Exceed™ Tough+ m 1019 & m 0814 – excellent toughness and durability
• Exceed™ Flow+ m 0938 – balanced stiffness and processability
• Exceed™ Stiff+ m 0926 – optimized balance between stiffness and toughness
• Exxtra™ Seal POP 2008 – low sealing initiation temperature enabling a broad sealing window
• ExxonMobil™ LD 07523 – additional sealant performance

Key benefits demonstrated include:

• Outstanding stiffness of the 25 μm MDO PE substrate, even at elevated temperatures, comparable to BOPP.
• High-quality printability and excellent optical clarity, critical for shelf appeal.
• Downgauged 90-115 μm sealant web maintaining seal strength and package integrity.
• 100% survival in 2-meter bag-drop tests, confirming robust mechanical performance.
• Designed for recyclability* while enabling efficient conversion and process optimization.

To check out the full case study, visit here.

About ExxonMobil Signature Polymers

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.