Extrusion International 3-2025

27 Extrusion International 3/2025 MDO Technology Enables Recyclable Packaging at Competitive Costs At Chinaplas 2025, the Reifen- häuser Group presented its latest technological innovations for the efficient and sustainable produc - tion of plastic films. The extrusion specialists showcased at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Cen - ter solutions that address the key challenges of today’s plastic indus- try: reducing resource consumption, increasing recyclability, and making production more autonomous and efficient. Meeting these demands requires advanced production tech- nologies that Reifenhäuser already offers today. A central focus at the show was the use of Machine Direction Ori- entation (MDO) technologies for producing fully recyclable mono- material films with performance and cost-effectiveness equivalent to conventional multi-material struc- tures. With the EVO Ultra Stretch MDO unit for Reifenhäuser’s blown film lines manufacturers produce all-PE mono films for applications such as high-barrier food pouches. Due to the stretch process film thicknesses of 18µm (with properties of a 25µm product) and less can be achieved, keeping production costs within the range of conventional films. With the patented integration of the MDO unit directly into the haul- off, the film is stretched in the ideal phase of the process – using the first heat – for maximum efficiency and film stability. Furthermore, the all- PE film achieves the required bar - rier effect with an EVOH content of less than five percent, fully meeting the criteria for recyclability. At the same time, Ultra Stretch enhances the performance of the EVOH bar- rier layer while reducing material usage, delivering cost and sustain- ability benefits. The same applies to MDO tech- nology in the flat film sector. With its CPP/CPE cast film line Reifen - häuser provides best transparency, printability, easy-tear properties, and sealing. The line features an MDO stretching unit that enhances the film properties, enabling recy - clable all-PP mono films with bar - rier functions for food and medical packaging. Here too, stretching the EVOH layer improves the barrier ef- fect while preserving recyclability. In addition, customers can opt for the unique Reifenhäuser automation system PAM (precise, autonomous, mechatronic) bringing cast lines to a whole new level. PAM automatical - ly adjusts coextrusion adapters and dies via high-precision actuators for optimum convenience, quality and productivity. Once recipes have been set, they can be saved and called up immediately at the touch of a button – even by inexperienced system operators. The high degree of automation makes producers Reifenhäuser CPP/CPE cast film lines are featuring an MDO stretching unit that enhances the film properties, enabling recyclable all-PP mono films with barrier functions for food and medical packaging (All pictures credit: Reifenhäuser) The Reifenhäuser PAM automation option simplifies the operation of coextrusion adapters and dies. The high degree of automation makes producers independent of the shortage of skilled workers