Expanded Capabilities at Dow Pack Studios Help Customers Design for Performance and Recyclability

Dow is investing in the latest technology to advance next generation of innovative packaging options

Dow announced two new technology additions at Pack Studios in Freeport, TX, to further its commitment to helping accelerate the development of circular packaging options. The additions include an MDO (Machine Direction Orientation) unit to its 9-layer blown film line for food and specialty packaging, and an upgraded Cast Film line designed to support industrial and commercial packaging customers.

Launched 12 years ago, Pack Studios was created to foster collaboration within the packaging industry. It has since become a premier innovation hub where brands and customers can experiment with different types of packaging without disrupting their production lines. These latest advancements continue to make Pack Studios a go-to development and testing facility for brands and customers looking to design for performance and sustainability solutions—without hindering their own production lines.

“We often refer to Pack Studios as the packaging playground. It is a place where we work across the value chain to test and optimize packaging solutions,” said Kristin Matter, Dow’s Technical Services and Development Lab Leader at North America Pack Studios. “Without the downtime needed on production equipment, our partners can run trials and not lose valuable production time on their own lines. Our operations mirror the most advanced technology that our customers have on-site, so we can work hand-in-hand with them to continuously innovate better products to meet their exact needs.”

The Only In-Line, Commercial-Scale MDO Pilot Capabilities in North America

The versatile MDO unit is a film-making technology that supports the creation of durable, high functioning films. The addition of the MDO extension to the 9-layer blown film line enhances Dow’s comprehensive suite of technologies for blown film applications to accelerate mono-material packaging development. This is a critical piece of technology to support the recycling of plastic films by testing their performance. As it stretches the plastic to its utmost tensile strength, it creates lighter-weight film (for use in packaging) and offers the use of less material per package. While there has been an increase in installation of MDO units, Dow has the only in-line, commercial-scale MDO pilot capabilities in North America, making Pack Studios a go-to place for brands to test and develop innovative packaging.

“This new MDO capability is part of Dow’s ‘Design for Recyclability’ initiative – offering options for all-polyethylene packaging designs that would otherwise consist of multi-material, non-recyclable solutions,” said Kara Stoney, Marketing Manager, Value Chain Engagement and Sustainable Packaging for Dow’s Packaging and Specialty Plastics business. “This equipment will be leveraged to help inform best practices in design and production across Dow’s global regions.”

New Cast Line Expands Capability, Versatility at Pack Studios

While the MDO unit is an excellent choice for food and specialty packaging, the new cast film extrusion technology expands development and testing capabilities for industrial and commercial applications. The new Cast Film line is equipped with seven extruders, each paired with a six-component blending system, to aid in designing next-generation cast films. Dow’s distinct materials produce high-performance films and packaging to facilitate the transport of goods safely and efficiently and with minimal product damage. And now, with these expanded capabilities, Dow is positioned to help customers keep circular and renewable packaging options at the forefront of the design process. For example, more complex cast film lines support a focus on sustainability through down gauging, the addition of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, and materials designed to facilitate recycling.

The new semi-commercial line has a fully automated winding section for loading and unloading that provides enhanced safety features. This level of automation is a first at Dow Pack Studios and reflects the company’s continued commitment to improving safety.

Each line is equipped with an EREMA pelletizing unit that can also be used as a stand-alone system offering an opportunity to produce in-house recycled materials for evaluation and understanding. These investments in advanced technologies represent Dow’s continued commitment to enhancing design capabilities and collaboration with its customers.

To learn more about Pack Studios’ expanded capabilities, visit here.

Share on Socials!

Related Articles

Related Articles

Packaging Industry Aims to Boost Residential Recycling Rates

The Box to Nature campaign supplies graphics that box manufacturers and brands can put on the outside of boxes reminding consumers to empty, flatten and recycle ...
Read More

Technology Excellence Awards Spotlight Outstanding Innovations at PACK EXPO International 2024

Videos reveal finalists’ new technologies, with online voting beginning October 28 and onsite voting available during the event. Finalists for the Technology Excellence Awards taking place ...
Read More

Brown Machine Group Announces NAS e-Wrap Series Vertical Wrapper

Brown Machine Group (BMG) announced the new NAS e-Wrap Series™ vertical wrapper, an automated wrapping system that increases throughput and efficiencies, while reducing material costs and ...
Read More