October 22, 2024 – TotalEnergies Unveils Advanced Supertough 12AST05: A Breakthrough VLLDPE for Versatile Film Applications
TotalEnergies has recently introduced Advanced Supertough 12AST05, an innovative very low linear density polyethylene (VLLDPE) product tailored to meet the diverse needs of film applications. This new offering marks a significant expansion of TotalEnergies’ metallocene polyethylene product line, spanning an impressive density range from an ultra-low 0.912 g/cm³ to a high 0.960 g/cm³.
Advanced Supertough 12AST05 has garnered widespread attention within the industry due to its exceptional mechanical properties, outstanding optical performance with a 5% haze and a 45° gloss level of 70, and superior sealing efficiency. Notably, this material serves as a viable alternative to ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) grade formulations, enhancing the recyclability of stretch hood applications. Furthermore, its sealing initiation temperature is 2 degrees lower than the market standard, potentially reducing production costs by minimizing the amount of plastic required in the welding layer.
TotalEnergies’ commitment to innovation extends beyond product development to environmental collaboration. In April of this year, the group’s lubricants company partnered with BERICAP to successfully incorporate 50% post-consumer recycled plastic into the caps of 20-liter lubricant packages, effectively decreasing the consumption of virgin plastic. Meanwhile, in the realm of chemical process innovation, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, announced a novel process that “essentially vaporizes” polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixed plastic waste, converting them into base materials that can be re-polymerized into new plastics. If scaled, this process could reduce the need for fossil fuels in the production of new plastics and pave the way for the circular utilization of various single-use plastics.
According to Color Masterbatch Industry Network, TotalEnergies’ series of innovative and collaborative initiatives not only expand its product line but also play a pivotal role in advancing plastic recyclability and circularity. These efforts underscore TotalEnergies’ steadfast dedication to sustainability and environmental protection.