ExxonMobil develops ionomer-free vacuum skin packaging for food applications, reducing supply chain exposure

GLOBAL – ExxonMobil has introduced an ionomer-free vacuum skin packaging material using Exceed polyethylene resins and EVA, developed with Kuraray, GAP, and G Mondini to lower production costs and reduce reliance on constrained ionomer supplies.

In a case study, the company noted that traditional ionomer packaging has been easily impacted by ionomer material shortage, hence becoming expensive to produce. 

The new formulation contains three main resins: 

Exceed Flow+ m 0516 metallocene polyethylene for excellent optical and mechanical properties with good sealing performance, Exceed Tough+ m 0512 metallocene polyethylene for forming performance, and ExxonMobil EVA 06519FL polymer for forming and ensuring a tight fit around the object.

Replacing a Constrained Material

Ionomers are thermoplastic resins that contain ionic bonds, offering high puncture resistance and adhesion to metal and paper. 

Their specialised production process means only a few suppliers manufacture ionomers, creating supply concentration risk. 

When ionomer shortages occur, converters face both allocation cuts and price spikes, with limited alternative sources. 

ExxonMobil’s ionomer-free structure uses widely available polyethylene grades and EVA, materials with multiple suppliers and established production capacity, reducing exposure to single-source disruptions.

Performance That Competes

The material achieved an outstanding gloss level of 81 and transparency (haze 7.5 percent), supporting product protection during distribution and shelf appearance. 

For vacuum skin packaging, where the film conforms tightly to the product, optical clarity is critical for consumer appeal; a cloudy film obscures the product, while high gloss signals freshness and quality. 

The material retains key characteristics including seal integrity, tear and puncture resistance, optical clarity, and barrier performance. Kuraray supplied EVAL EVOH barrier material, which provides oxygen barrier essential for extending shelf life of meat, cheese, and ready meals.

Collaborative Development

Italy-based blown film extrusion company GAP made the blown film, which was then tested on G Mondini’s vacuum skin packaging lines. 

The material performed well on both semi-automatic and automatic systems, including Multivac equipment. 

The development comes alongside ExxonMobil’s rollout of its Signature Polymers portfolio brand, which brings its polyolefin products together under one portfolio.

When Supply Concentration Becomes a Risk

A packaging material that depends on a single supplier for a key resin is a supply chain vulnerability. 

ExxonMobil’s ionomer-free structure replaces a constrained material with widely available polyethylene. 

For food packagers, that substitution is not a compromise, it is risk management.

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