FlexPak Services, a leader in laser-enabled flexible packaging solutions, has announced the launch of PrimeTear™, a patent-pending laser scoring optimization process designed to deliver clean, reliable, easy-open functionality on recyclable polyethylene (PE) and MDO-PE flexible packaging.
As converters and brand owners accelerate the transition to recyclable mono-material packaging structures, achieving consistent, easy-open tear performance on elastic PE films remains one of the industry’s most persistent challenges. Traditional laser scoring methods perform poorly on PE films and often require aggressive scoring depths, specialty inks or material additives. These workarounds increase production cost and risk, reduce process repeatability and ultimately result in packaging that is difficult to open—negatively impacting the consumer experience. PrimeTear™ was developed to address these limitations by enabling controlled tear initiation and propagation without compromising film strength, seal integrity or barrier performance. The technology delivers predictable, repeatable opening behavior while supporting the line stability and throughput demanded in high-speed converting environments.
“PrimeTear™ was developed to support the industry’s transition to recyclable packaging without sacrificing performance,” said JC Tinoco, General Manager and Partner at FlexPak Services. “It provides converters with a dependable solution for achieving consistent easy-open performance on PE films—meeting consumer expectations while preserving the strength and barrier protection brands demand for high-quality packaging.”
For converters, PrimeTear™ provides a measurable improvement in process control and production efficiency. The optimized laser process reduces variability commonly associated with laser scoring PE films, helping minimize scrap, shorten setup times and support faster running speeds. By avoiding deep laser scoring, PrimeTear™ preserves easy-to-open packages, high tensile strength and seal integrity, reducing rework, customer complaints and quality-related downtime.
The technology also enables the use of thinner, simplified PE film structures without the need for laser-reactive additives or specialty inks. This simplifies material sourcing, lowers production cost and risk, and supports recyclability targets — while allowing converters to offer easy-open functionality as a value-added feature across multiple packaging formats.
For brand owners, PrimeTear™ delivers a clean, intuitive opening experience that aligns with consumer expectations without sacrificing durability or shelf-life performance. By maintaining barrier integrity, the technology supports freshness protection, leak prevention and consistent package quality throughout distribution.
PrimeTear™ can be implemented through multiple delivery models. The technology is available through FlexPak’s in-house laser processing services, allowing converters and brands to access advanced easy-open capability without new capital investment. PrimeTear™ can also be integrated into existing LaserSharp® systems from LasX Industries or incorporated into new laser installations, enabling converters to bring PrimeTear™ functionality directly onto their production lines with high-speed, repeatable performance on PE and MDO films.
Designed specifically for mono-PE and MDO-PE structures, PrimeTear™ supports compatibility with existing Lasx’s laser systems and workflows, offering converters a scalable path to upgrade easy-open functionality without increasing material complexity, compromising recyclability or investing in high-power laser systems.
