Dania Agricultural, a mulch film producer serving the European agriculture sector, recently teamed up with ExxonMobil to reengineer its film formulation using Exceed™ Tough+ m 0516, a next-generation polyethylene resin from ExxonMobil’s newly launched Signature Polymers portfolio.
The goal: develop a mulch film that could accommodate significantly higher post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, maintain strength, and lower material usage, all without sacrificing film performance in the field.
Switching Formulations Pays Off
Historically, Dania relied on a traditional C4LL-based film structure with about 20% PCR, but by adopting Exceed™ Tough+ m 0516, Dania was able to raise the PCR content to 46% while maintaining tear strength and puncture resistance. The resin’s robust mechanical properties also allowed for a 50% reduction in film thickness.
The result was a lighter, more sustainable mulch film with performance equal to or better than the reference film, even after mechanical retrieval from the field at season’s end.
Key Results at a Glance
PCR content: Increased from 20% to 46%
Downgauging: Achieved up to 50% reduction in thickness
Cost savings: Estimated 52% reduction in cost per square meter of film
Virgin resin reduction: Up to 70% less virgin material used
The films were manufactured in a 3-layer blown film line, confirming compatibility with standard production equipment.
This project highlights the potential of ExxonMobil’s Signature Polymers platform, a unified brand for its polyolefin materials. The platform is designed to streamline product selection and strengthen technical collaboration across the value chain.
About ExxonMobil Signature Polymers
Launched to unify ExxonMobil’s polyolefin offerings under one brand, Signature Polymers supports sectors including packaging, automotive, construction, and agriculture. The platform focuses on delivering collaborative, insight-driven solutions that help customers innovate while lowering costs and environmental impact.
For more information and the full case study, visit: ExxonMobil Signature Polymers mulch film case study
Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
