ExxonMobil, Winpack unveil high-performance PCR stretch film in line with Chile’s EPR goals

CHILE – ExxonMobil has teamed up with Winpack, a leading Chilean packaging company, to launch a new line of high-performance stretch films containing up to 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.

The initiative supports compliance with Chile’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, which are driving demand for sustainable packaging solutions across industries.

The new seven-layer manual and automatic stretch films combine PCR content with ExxonMobil’s advanced performance polymers, including its newly launched ExxonMobil Signature Polymers.

The result is a film that delivers key mechanical properties—stretchability, cling, and load containment—without compromising processing efficiency or performance.

“Increasing the amount of PCR content in our film formulations enables us to support plastic circularity while expanding our market through innovative offerings,” said Andrés Baboun, General Manager at Winpack.

“Chile’s evolving EPR regulations are pushing brand owners to seek packaging materials that incorporate recycled content without sacrificing quality.”

The ExxonMobil Signature Polymers portfolio—developed to unify the company’s polyolefin products under a single brand—features industry-leading materials such as Exceed and Exceed XP performance PE, and Vistamaxx performance polymers, which enhance film cling and maintain film functionality during logistics operations.

According to Juan Manuel Osorio, Operations Manager for Winpack’s Packaging Division, using Exceed performance polymers allowed for increased PCR content without reducing stretch performance.

“Our lab tests confirm that the films meet our internal safety standards for secure wrapping and load protection, while aligning with our sustainability goals.”

Key outcomes from the ExxonMobil and Winpack collaboration highlight the potential of recycled materials to match the performance of virgin alternatives.

One of the most notable achievements is the incorporation of up to 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in the stretch film formulations.

Despite the high level of recycled input, the films retain essential mechanical properties such as strength, cling, and load stability—ensuring they perform reliably in demanding logistics and packaging environments.

The films are also fully compatible with both manual and automatic stretch wrapping systems, making them a practical solution for a wide range of users.

Performance tests have shown that these recycled-content films perform on par with traditional virgin-based films, eliminating the need for quality or functionality trade-offs.

Another important benefit of the project is its impact on recycling capacity. Winpack estimates that it will be able to process approximately 300 additional tons of recycled material each month.

This not only improves operational efficiency and supports the local recycling infrastructure but also reduces reliance on virgin plastic.

Additionally, the films have been designed to integrate seamlessly into existing packaging operations.

There is no need for modifications to equipment or production processes, which lowers the barrier for adoption and enables brand owners to meet evolving sustainability regulations with minimal disruption.

This ease of implementation is crucial as the industry shifts toward circular packaging models driven by environmental policies such as Chile’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.

Winpack sources PCR locally in Chile and processes it in-house at its mechanical recycling facility—further reinforcing the project’s regional sustainability credentials.

This launch follows similar efforts by ExxonMobil in Latin America, including its collaboration with Plastilene in Colombia to develop collation shrink films and the introduction of shrink barrier bags for fresh meat packaging.

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