Sittard, the Netherlands - October 28, 2010 - SABIC, a leading player in the global plastics industry, today unveiled a pioneering concept in low-density polyethylene and linear-low-density polyethylene (LD/LLDPE) films at the K2010 tradeshow in Düsseldorf, Germany (Hall 6, Stand D42).

This milestone innovation marks a new approach to leveraging SABIC's world-class polyolefin portfolio. Among numerous benefits, it produces smart resin combinations offering converters significant material and energy savings while optimizing manufacturing and packaging performance.

Improving performance and choice

SABIC's multi-layer film concept is designed to enhance product performance and expand the choice of raw materials to end markets such as compression packaging, hygienic packaging, lamination and shrink film. The concept supports film packaging applications that comprise up to five layers or more. These film combinations allow manufacturers to create unique property configurations that meet the specific needs of brand owners as well as the demands of the consumer.

SABIC's breakthrough concept is capable of balancing specifications such as high-gloss or tear resistance, while optimizing packaging performance. At the same time, it opens up new application areas and unprecedented levels of sustainability performance, replacing traditional materials with light-weight packaging solutions.

Delivering sustainable economic value

SABIC's multi-layer concept enables manufacturers to create more value, including significant cost and material savings; improved down gauging options; lower energy consumption; and higher processing speeds. This is because the resin combination for every item in production can be tailored to get the most out of each manufacturer's extrusion equipment and capabilities. Using this customized approach, manufacturers can achieve down-gauging options that reduce thicknesses by up to 20%. Not only does this improve cost-efficiency, but it also helps to make film packaging production more eco-responsible.

Moreover, the SABIC LDPE-materials used in this concept are produced with SABIC's state-of-the-art PE tubular technology - the more sustainable alternative to the traditional autoclave technology. With the tubular technology SABIC is able to reduce air emissions significantly while minimizing energy consumption and waste during the production process.  

"Our multi-layer film approach underscores SABIC's commitment to innovation," comments Eric Hogenboom, European Business Director PE - SABIC. "From our perspective, innovation doesn't stop with enhancing new materials or technologies. Combining existing elements more smartly can produce solutions that exceed the current standards of cost-efficiency and packaging performance. We continue to explore new ways of enhancing the economic and environmental performance of our packaging customers."

SABIC will implement this innovation worldwide and continue to support the concept as part of its comprehensive polyolefin portfolio, which is available globally.

SABIC is exhibiting at K' 2010 in Düsseldorf, Germany in Hall 6, Stand D42.

For K2010 SABIC's focus is a Culture of Innovation, which means investing in Growth, Technology, Sustainability and Customer Focus. We help our customers to innovate, differentiate their applications and optimize costs by:

  • investing in global expansion,

  • providing the broadest product portfolio that delivers better performance and adds value,

  • developing environmentally responsible products and solutions that provide significant and measurable performance advantages,

  • working closely with our customers to build long-term relationships and lasting partnerships

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About SABIC
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) ranks among the world's top six petrochemical companies. The company is among the world's market leaders in the production of polyethylene, polypropylene and other advanced thermoplastics, glycols, methanol and fertilizers.

SABIC recorded a net profit of SR 9 billion (US$ 2.4 billion) in 2009. Sales revenues for 2009 totaled SR 103 billion (US$ 27 billion). Total assets stood at SR 297 billion (US$ 79.2 billion) at the end of 2009.

SABIC's businesses are grouped into Chemicals, Polymers, Performance Chemicals, Fertilizers, Metals and Innovative Plastics. SABIC has significant research resources with six dedicated Technology & Innovation Centers in Saudi Arabia, Europe, the USA and India. The company operates in more than 40 countries across the world with 33,000 employees worldwide.

The company has 19 world-scale complexes in Saudi Arabia. Elsewhere, SABIC manufactures on a global scale in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. SABIC's overall production has increased from 35 million metric tons in 2001 to 59 million metric tons in 2009.

Headquartered in Riyadh, SABIC was founded in 1976 when the Saudi Arabian Government decided to use the hydrocarbon gases associated with its oil production as the principal feedstock for production of chemicals, polymers and fertilizers. The Saudi Arabian Government owns 70 percent of SABIC shares with the remaining 30 percent held by private investors in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

About SABIC in Europe
In Europe, SABIC has 13 world-scale production facilities which manufacture innovative plastics, polyethylenes, polypropylenes and chemical products. Throughout Europe, SABIC employs approximately 6000 people.

The main European offices for three of SABIC's strategic business units are located in The Netherlands - Innovative Plastics (Bergen op Zoom), Polymers (Sittard) and Chemicals (Sittard). They operate an extensive network of local sales offices and logistical hubs throughout Europe which are also responsible for the sales of products manufactured elsewhere in the world.

SABIC's European research facilities form part of the global Technology and Innovation organization and can be found in the Netherlands (Geleen and Bergen op Zoom) and Spain (Cartagena).

© Press Release 2010