MATERIALS | MULTILAYER FILM


Right: Vivion 8210XT raises the stiffness of polymer substrates to improve metallisation


because the EVOH content is below 5%. To ensure the film’s high tolerance – even at high


throughput rates – the line combines the new Evo Ultra die head with the matched internal bubble cooling system Evo Cool and Kdesign cooling ring technology. “The results of the new seven-layer blown film line with the Evo Ultra Die 7 exceeded our expecta- tions,” said Pascual Martínez Pérez, managing director of Smurfit Westrock Spain. “No other supplier achieves the nominal outputs we have achieved.” Smurfit Westrock tested and optimised the die


and extruder technology in advance at Reifenhäu- ser’s technical centre. It now operates three Reifenhäuser blown film lines at this location. “The film quality is exceptional,” said Martínez


Pérez. “In addition to tolerance values, its consist- ency, clarity and strength enable us to meet and even exceed our customers’ requirements.” On the new line, Smurfit Westrock makes seven- layer films with barrier properties that are used – among other things – for ‘bag-in-box’ packaging. If needed, production can be quickly switched to five- or three-layer film. Despite the large geometry and high volume of the die head, fast changeover times are ensured, says Reifenhäuser. Bernd Reifenhäuser, CEO of Reifenhäuser, said:


“Every major step we’ve taken in this partnership started with one question: what creates the greatest value for Smurfit Westrock? This demon- stration is a perfect example.”


BOPP boost Packaging specialist Oben is to acquire a new 12m biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film production line from Brueckner, for the Brazilian market. The investment addresses the increasing need


for large-scale manufacturing capacity in Brazil, said the company. With an annual production capacity of around 94,000 tonnes, the new line will expand the company’s output. “This investment is another important milestone


in our growth strategy and strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, high-performance packaging solutions to customers,” said Nikolas Zaidan, CEO of Oben. The new line is part of a broader global expan- sion plan, following an announcement in February 2025 regarding the acquisition of another 12m BOPP line for Mexico.


Barrier boost German distributor Dreyplas is offering Vivion – a


14 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | September 2026


IMAGE: DREYPLAS


new family of cyclic block copolymers (CBCs) from USI Corporation – which can be used in barrier applications. All grades provide low density, high transpar-


ency, low water absorption and a low amount of extractables. Depending on the microstructure, mechanical properties range from rigid to soft. It can be used as a separate layer in multilayer films or as a blend partner with PE or PP. Applications range from film capacitors to packaging for food and medical devices. Vacuum-metallised cast films are often used in multilayer packaging thanks to their high barrier properties. However, the relatively low stiffness and strength of pure PE or PP substrates can cause cracks to form in the ultra-thin metal layer applied to them. This allows oxygen and moisture to penetrate the packaging, reducing the shelf life of the contents. Blending with Vivion 8210XT raises stiffness without compromising flexibility, to cut the risk of cracking. This may allow for the use of more material-efficient films with lower thicknesses. In addition, the CBC can be used to optimise the film’s tear propagation resistance – an important convenience feature for easy-open applications.


Nine-layer MDO US-based Charter Next Generation (CNG) has expanded its manufacturing capabilities with new nine-layer and five-layer extrusion lines equipped with machine-direction orientation (MDO) technology.


CNG says this increases its capacity to deliver high-barrier, recycle-ready films at scale, helping to transition away from mixed-material structures. The films are aimed at dry goods, pet food, confection- ery and speciality applications. “The addition of nine-layer MDO technology


unlocks advanced barrier performance in recycle- ready films, giving brands the clarity, stiffness and


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