WHO: ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy companies, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world's growing energy needs. ExxonMobil Signature Polymers brings together ExxonMobil’s polyolefin products under a single portfolio brand, simplifying portfolio navigation and promoting enhanced collaboration across the value chain. Focused on delivering best-in-class service and partnerships within the polymers industry, ExxonMobil Signature Polymers helps customers identify solutions that support performance, processing and business goals.
WHAT: Grupo Plastilene faced the challenge of elevating locally produced thermoforming film performance. By implementing Tube Water Quench (TWQ) blown film technology, the company developed a high-performance local solution in Colombia that matches and replaces imported structures while delivering premium optics, mechanical strength, barrier performance and strong shelf impact.
Achieving these demanded structures would require reliable hermetic sealing, even under light contamination; exceptional clarity and gloss to enhance product presentation; and optimized materials and layer ratios balancing barrier, thermoformability, and recognized pathways.
A longtime regional leader in thermoforming films, Grupo Plastilene strengthened its technology platform by integrating TWQ extrusion from Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H), in close collaboration with ExxonMobil Signature Polymers. Prior to this investment, conventional blown barrier technology limited performance in deep-draw applications. The adoption of TWQ in 2021 marked a transformative leap in optical, mechanical, and thermoforming capability.
To fully leverage TWQ, Groupo Plastilene incorporated ExxonMobil’s high-performance polyethylene resins: Exceed™ Flow m 0520, providing toughness and deep-draw durability, and Exxtra™ Seal POP 2008, ensuring robust hermetic sealing and contributing to exceptional optical performance.
This combination enabled the development of medium- and high-barrier structures with superior strength, clarity, and sealability. Importantly, there are no changes in oxygen or water vapor barrier values between the two technologies, with both delivering satisfactory results of OTR < 1.0 cc/m²·day and WVTR < 3.0 g/m²·day, levels fully suitable for the products intended to be packaged using these solutions.
Real-world validation with Carnes Casablanca confirmed strong forming behavior, excellent sealing, and premium shelf appearance. Combining TWQ technology, ExxonMobil’s advanced resin portfolio, and Plastilene’s conversion expertise sets a benchmark for thermoforming films. The result is a solution that delivers world class performance, strengthens local competitiveness, and offers a platform for continuous improvement through innovation.
WHERE: To check out the full case study, visit here.