Page 74 - Plastics News August 2024

TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Dow adds new technologies at Pack Studios in
Texas
T he additions include an MDO unit and an
upgraded cast film line.
Chemical company Dow has unveiled its
two latest technology advancements at its Pack
Studios facility in Freeport, Texas, US, further
expanding the company’s capabilities.
The investment is intended to expedite the de-
velopment of circular packaging solutions.
The new additions include a machine direction
orientation (MDO) unit and an upgraded cast
film line, both designed to support the creation
of recyclable packaging options.
The newly installed MDO unit, which is part of
Dow’s nine-layer blown film line, is touted as the
only in-line, commercial-scale MDO with pilot ca-
pabilities in North America.
This film-making technology is essential for pro-
ducing durable, high-functioning films and is a
pivotal tool in testing the performance of plastic
films for recycling.
Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics business
Value Chain Engagement and Sustainable Pack-
aging marketing manager Kara Stoney said: “This
new MDO capability is part of Dow’s ‘Design for
Recyclability’ initiative – offering options for all-
76 PLASTICS NEWS
polyethylene packaging designs that would oth-
erwise consist of multimaterial, non-recyclable
solutions.
“This equipment will be leveraged to help inform
best practices in design and production across
Dow’s global regions.”
The cast film line upgrade at Pack Studios ex-
pands Dow’s development and testing capa-
bilities, particularly for industrial and commercial
packaging customers.
Equipped with seven extruders and a six-com-
ponent blending system, the line is set to aid in
the design of next-generation cast films.
Dow’s materials are known for producing high-
performance films and packaging that ensure
the efficient transport of goods with minimal
product damage.
The new semicommercial line features a fully au-
tomated winding section, enhancing safety fea-
tures and representing a first in automation for
Dow Pack Studios.
Additionally, each line at Pack Studios is fitted
with an EREMA pelletising unit that can function
as a standalone system.
This allows for the production of in-house recy-
cled materials for evaluation purposes.
Pack Studios was introduced 12 years ago to fa-
cilitate partnerships and encourage cooperation
in the packaging industry.
The facility provides a collaborative space for
brands and customers to explore packaging in-
novations without interrupting their production
workflows.
Source – Packaging Gateway
August 2024