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Collaboration is at the core of how Borealis<\/a> operates, driving solutions that balance performance, efficiency, and circularity. A recent project with long-term partner Hosokawa Alpine<\/a> is a perfect example – together, they tested the limits of Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) film structures using Borealis\u2019 advanced polyethylene (PE) BorShape\u2122 grades.<\/p>\n Developed with Borealis\u2019 proprietary Borstar\u00ae Technology, BorShape PE materials offers a unique combination of properties that make them ideal for MDO film applications. These include consistent processability, high thermal resistance, excellent quality, and minimal gel levels – ensuring optimal performance and enabling the development of monomaterial structures.<\/p>\n To test the capabilities of BorShape, Borealis conducted trials at Hosokawa Alpin\u2019s state-of-the-art test center. One of the key goals was to explore how far they could reduce MDO film thickness while maintaining process stability. The results were remarkable: the trials successfully produced films<\/a> as thin as 15 \u00b5m, achieving a stretching ratio close to 7 – for comparison, the standard thickness for MDO films is 23 \u00b5m.<\/p>\n Even at this significantly reduced thickness, the process remained stable, demonstrating the exceptional performance of BorShape grades. Borealis also produced films at 23 \u00b5m to evaluate and compare properties at various thicknesses.<\/p>\n \u201cThese test results demonstrate the potential of our BorShape grades in supporting the transformation to monomaterial solutions,\u201d said Peter Voortmans, Borealis Vice President Marketing Consumer Products. \u201cWe\u2019ve shown that thinner, high-quality MDO films can be produced without compromising stability or performance – a clear example of how our innovation drives progress and supports our commitment to making everyday life easier.\u201d<\/p>\n By showing that it\u2019s possible to create thinner MDO films while still delivering on performance, these test results pave the way for flexible packaging that uses fewer resources. Coupled with BorShape\u2019s suitability for monomaterial structures, the result is packaging that\u2019s not only more efficient but also easier to recycle.<\/p>\n Together with Hosokawa Alpine, Borealis looks forward to collaborating with their customers to develop BorShape solutions inspired by these test results and to create a more sustainable<\/a> future for flexible packaging.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving Borealis in our test center has been a fantastic opportunity to push the boundaries of what\u2019s possible with MDO films,\u201d said Bernd Bayer, Head of Research & Development, Hosokawa Alpine. \u201cIt\u2019s exciting to anticipate these results opening the door to thinner, more efficient, and more sustainable solutions for flexible packaging.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe benefits of BorShape\u2122 for MDO films<\/h4>\n
Groundbreaking results from Hosokawa Alpine\u2019s test center<\/h4>\n
Advancing circularity<\/a> in flexible packaging<\/h4>\n