PET-alternative launched for cosmetics packaging

The Netherlands-based company claims that Metocene RM2231 resin, which combines both PET and polypropylene benefits, is a 'first-of-its-kind', and has potential use in extrusion and injection blow moulding applications.

As well as the typical benefits of polypropylene-based copolymers such as flowability, thermal and impact resistance and their ability to be recycled, the resin has ‘excellent transparency’ claims LyondellBasell.

Resin offers high clarity​

These attributes make it particularly suitable for manufacturers of cosmetic packaging who require their products to have glass-like clarity and gloss, according to application development manager Jean-Pierre Bideau.

Bideau added that this new grade of polypropylene “is currently one of the highest clarity polypropylene-based materials available on the market.”​

“We were able to combine the clarity and gloss of PET with the density and recyclability advantages of polypropylene,” ​said Bernd Schüz, marketing manager for Metocene resins at LyondellBasell.

Potential cost savings​

According to the company, the low density of the resin, which can result in savings in weight and material use, makes the product a particularly attractive option to customers due to the potential cost savings.

“Customers have begun replacing PET applications processed using injection blow moulded technology with Metocene RM2231 resins processed on extrusion blow moulded equipment, as they have found the new grade to be a more cost-effective solution,” ​Schüz said in a statement.

In comparison to other resins such as PET, the new offering does not require the high-processing temperatures, and the resulting time and energy costs can improve the overall economics of the manufacturing process, according to LyondellBasell.

The resin is produced using the company’s proprietary single-site catalyst, which produces products with excellent aesthetics, surface gloss and purity, said the company, adding that one of the benefits of this high purity is that the resin is more resistant to discolouration.