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FAQ: Sustainable MDO and Mono-material solutions for Packaging

Why Mono-material Packaging is essential

Special Film from NOWOFOL: MDO and HDPE Films

MDO films and monoaxially stretched HDPE films have high tensile and tear resistance when used as the raw materials in the packaging and adhesive tapes industries.

MDO films and NOWOFOL’s special HDPE films are highly customized films that are indispensable in the industry for heavy-duty solutions. The secret of our polypropylene films lies in the special manufacturing process that gives our MDO and HDPE films their extreme tensile strength and performance gives tear strength.

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The many different MDO film solutions from NOWOFOL are constantly being developed. In addition to the basic mechanical properties, our monoaxially stretched films impress with printability and customer-specific colors.

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The secret of the MDO film lies in the manufacturing process

The MDO film is an extruded film made of polypropylene (PP) and is produced by NOWOFOL from special formulations. The desired film is produced from the Polypropylene as the starting material for the MDO film. MDO films are characterized by extremely high tensile and tear strength and have a low elongation. The PP and HDPE films get their high tear resistance in the next, important production step: The  films of PP and HDPE runs through a large number of heated rollers. These rollers rotate at different speeds and this process results in the stretching of the film in the machine direction (MD).

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Packaging

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Automotive / Aviation

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Electric Industry

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Architecture

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Individual Solutions

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Industrial Applications

NOWOFOL has an proprietary production technologies for the orientation of PP, HDPE  and other films. All stretching machines have been developed in-house and allow us to produce highly specific MDO and monoaxially stretched HDPE films. We have been producing monoaxially oriented PP films for industrial customers for around 50 years and can produce high-performance plastics with the exact desired and required film properties using our expertise and our production facilities.

MDO films customized to production requirements

NOWOFOL is the world market leader with its MDO films, because we adapt every film solution to meet our customer and industry process requirements.

In addition to classic film properties (stretching, area weight, width, thickness, length), each film solution is also designed for the exact customer needs in terms of color scheme and printability. This creates a wide variety of MDO films and HDPE films, which are used in many industries.

MDO films for packaging and food industry

The monoaxially stretched polypropylene films are the ideal solution for packaging. Our films are used for labels, ribbon insulations, stand bags, tear-strips, high-strength carrying handles and decorative ribbons. Our HDPE films possess excellent dead fold for packaging solutions. In the food industry, MDO is a perfect choice for retort and non-retort applications.

Film solutions for packaging

Recycling and MDO films

Polypropylene MDO film is ideal for modern packaging. A mono-material packaging made from polypropylene film is one way to make packaging recyclable. It consists of only one raw material type and can be recycled in a variety of places. So please keep in mind when designing a sustainable package, that it starts by using just one raw materal for better recyclability. The material is suitable for direct food contact in the EU (PIM 10/2011EG) and in the USA (FDA). The raw material, polypropylene, is completely safe regarding effects on health and can be recycled easily.

Single-material packaging with MOPP film

The perfect base material for strong adhesive tapes and release films

Manufacturers take advantage of the tensile strenght of the MOPP film for the production of high-strength adhesive tapes. NOWOFOL also offers a release film for covering adhesive surfaces for the production of double-sided adhesive tapes.

Adhesive tapes made from NOWOFOL MDO film

FAQ

How does MDO film packaging support sustainability efforts for converters?

MDO film packaging reduces material usage by orienting and thinning the film, enhancing barrier properties for longer product freshness. Using mono-PE materials, it improves recyclability, helping converters meet company and regulatory sustainability targets effectively.

Why are mono material stand-up pouches regarded as a sustainable choice?

Mono-material stand-up pouches simplify recycling and promote circularity because they are made from a single material. This supports legislative requirements and brand sustainability commitments by making sorting and recycling more efficient.

What recycling benefits do flexible packaging pouches offer for companies and society?

Flexible packaging pouches made from single materials are easier to collect and process, reducing landfill rates and supporting closed-loop recycling systems, benefiting both companies and society by conserving resources.

How do monomaterial pouches help manufacturers meet ESG goals and regulatory requirements?

Monomaterial solutions demonstrate responsible sourcing and reduce plastic waste, boosting manufacturers’ ESG performance. They facilitate compliance with regulations such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and strengthen client relationships focused on sustainability.

Why is 100% recyclability increasingly demanded by packaging clients?

Full recyclability ensures packaging complies with new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules and brand commitments. This facilitates easier material recovery for converters’ customers and is increasingly demanded by packaging clients as a competitive advantage.

What sustainable advantages do polyethylene mono-material pouches offer the supply chain?

PE mono-material pouches combine process efficiency, high barrier properties, and recyclability, reducing waste and improving environmental outcomes across the supply chain through enhanced material efficiency and sustainability.

How do mono-material pouches improve sustainable food packaging?

Monomaterial pouches replace multi-layer structures, allowing easier recycling, reducing sorting complexity, and supporting greener supply chain practices while maintaining product protection and shelf life.

Why are recyclable MDO films a focus in modern packaging solutions?

Recyclable MDO films ease compliance with recycling regulations, help meet brand sustainability promises, and reduce the life cycle environmental footprint by lowering plastic consumption, making them increasingly important for converters and brands.

How do custom MDO film solutions help converters meet specific packaging needs?

Custom MDO films can be engineered for unique barrier, seal, print, or mechanical specifications, enabling converters to match client requirements for performance and sustainability.

How do bio-based films from Nowofol compare with conventional PP films in sealing behavior, machinability, and shelf-life stability on converter lines?

Nowofol’s bio-based film grades are designed for equivalent machinability and seal performance, giving converters renewable material options without sacrificing processing efficiency.

How are converters preparing for multinational brand owner demands to harmonize recyclable films across different global markets?

Nowofol offers recyclable films that comply with both US and EU standards, enabling converters to supply global clients with customized solutions.

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