ExxonMobil Chemical (Europe: D-50735 Köln; www.exxonmobil.com) is bringing a new metallocene PE onto the market, with a density of only 0.912 g/cm³, which puts it in the plastomer range. “Exceed 1012CA” ( www.exceedmpe.om) offers film producers a first-class, low-cost alternative to the “very low density” or “ultra low density” polyethylene grades produced by the Ziegler-Natta process (PE-VLD, PE-ULD).

The attainable ultimate tensile stress is up to three times as high as previously and thus permits a considerable reduction in film thickness, according to ExxonMobile. With a sealing temperature of 85 C, the material also offers energy savings in the sealing process. Being resistant to sub-zero temperatures, it can additionally be used for deep-freeze applications. Clarity, gloss and very low tendency to cloud are comparable with the PE-VLD and PE-ULD available on the market so far. The new “Exceed” grade is being produced at ExxonMobil´s American site in Mont Belvieu, Texas, to begin with.