Dow and Doxa Plast have announced the commercialization of a family of bio-based stretch films aimed at addressing the increasing demand for more sustainable solutions that use alternative renewable feedstocks.
Reborn, the new range of stretch films by Doxa Plast, integrates Dow’s bio-based linear low-density polyethylene, ELITE 5230GC R Enhanced Polyethylene Resin, which is produced from renewable feedstock. The feedstock comes from residues of paper production from sustainably managed forests in Finland. It does not compete with the human food chain, and no extra land is required for its production.
“This joint effort is the latest example of Dow’s ambition to work with industry partners to enable a shift to a circular economy for plastics by integrating recycled content and renewable feedstocks into production processes,” said Carolina Gregorio, marketing manager at Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics EMEA. “We are continuously exploring alternative feedstocks to reduce the amount of fossil fuel resources required for production. We’re proud to see these solutions helping converters and brand owners meet their sustainability packaging goals.”
Dow says that the new bio-based stretch film range is optimized for downgauging without compromising on functionality. Using a patented technology, Doxa Plast offers thin stretch films down to four microns of thickness, while reportedly maintaining high-level performance for improved load pallet stability and reducing overall packaging material.
Dow’s bio-based polyethylene portfolio is produced using bio-naphtha from tall oil, which is a byproduct of paper pulp production. It claims that this new supply chain from bio-feedstocks enables a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to standard fossil-derived PE resins. In addition, its PE resins production is certified by ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) based on a mass balance approach.
