ExxonMobil, LD PACK create recyclable mono-material frozen food packaging

GLOBAL – ExxonMobil and LD PACK have developed a mono-material frozen-food packaging solution using a polyethylene-only MDO PE//PE structure that offers a recyclable alternative to traditional multilayer laminates while maintaining cold-temperature durability, puncture resistance and scalability.

The new format, announced on 24 August 2026, combines ExxonMobil’s Exceed Stiff+, Exxtra Seal and Exceed HD polymers with LD PACK’s converting technology. 

Compared to a traditional BOPET//PE laminate, the PE-only film survived 100 percent of bag drop tests after being conditioned at -30°C and dropped from 3 metres, while exhibiting better needle puncture resistance and improved tensile strength at low temperatures.

Bridging Performance and Recyclability for Frozen Logistics

The development reflects a broader shift in the packaging industry toward simpler, more circular solutions, as brands seek to reduce material complexity without sacrificing the physical performance required for commercial distribution. 

For suppliers and converters, the solution bridges the gap between recyclability and high-performance standards traditionally met by complex, multimaterial structures. 

The use of MDO PE technology fits into the larger shift toward recyclable film structures that are easier to process and recover, with the PE-based format potentially making packaging more aligned with current circularity goals. 

In another case study involving JinMing, ExxonMobil described a PE sealant film for mono-material frozen packages that replaced PET/PA substrates and produced approximately 850 kg per hour on a 5-layer line, demonstrating that PE-based systems are scalable for industrial use.

Implications for Converters, Brands and Sourcing Teams

The collaborative development between ExxonMobil and LD PACK signals a practical market response to the need for packaging that can support the harsh conditions of frozen logistics while still fitting into recycling-oriented design strategies. 

For converters, the solution may reduce the need to source multiple layers from different material families, simplifying inventory management, streamlining operations and improving consistency during converting. 

Brands may see strategic value in packaging that supports recyclable design claims without requiring a total redesign of their product lines, as the PE-based solution can run on existing or adapted equipment while maintaining output. 

The market is moving toward solutions that can support performance, branding and recovery simultaneously, with mono-material PE formats potentially becoming a key part of future packaging portfolios in the frozen food category and beyond.

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