WHAT: Armando Alvarez Group (AAG), a leader in the global agricultural market, aimed to develop silo bags with enhanced characteristics such as increased filling capacity, dart impact, tear and puncture resistance, and high resistance to slumping, while also offering recyclability. Managed by their Spanish affiliate SOTRAFA, AAG sought a solution to meet the growing demand for silo bags, a sector in the agricultural films market known for its flexibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
These bags, primarily made of polyethylene resin, are designed to extend the preservation of agricultural products like silage and grains. They feature a white external layer to reflect sunlight and a black internal layer to block it, maintaining a cool storage environment. AAG’s initiative aligns with their commitment to a circular economy, aiming for resource conservation and reduced raw material use.
In response to this challenge, SOTRAFA collaborated with ExxonMobil's polyethylene (PE) business to innovate a new silo bag film formulation, utilizing Exceed™ S 9272 performance PE. This solution not only met the mechanical property requirements but also facilitated the transition to a mono-material PE structure, enhancing recyclability. The integration of specifically developed technologies in the production and deployment process of the silo bags signifies a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices.
This collaboration resulted in the launch of two premium silo bag brands, showcasing increased filling capacity, improved resistance to slumping, and better recycling prospects. The initiative reflects AAG's commitment to the circular economy, with the added advantage of potentially reduced raw material consumption through downgauged films.
“The enhanced film formulation including Exceed™ S has led to a first PE co-branding collaboration between ExxonMobil and AAG with the introduction of two premium silo bag brands,” said Jose Miguel Juarez, Product Manager, Crop Packaging films, AAG. “Both bags allow increased filling capacity, high ‘slumping’ resistance and offer recycling* opportunities. These bags help support AAG’s pursuit of circular plastic economy solutions. We are confident that these added value solutions for our global customers will help grow our business.”
WHERE: To check out the full case study, please visit here. For more information about ExxonMobil’s Exceed™ S performance polyethylene, please visit here.
About ExxonMobil PE
ExxonMobil’s polyethylene portfolio offers converters and brand owners an extensive range of performance polymers as well as specialty co-polymers and additional polyethylene grades for numerous applications. Our performance polymer flagship brands offer superior mechanical performance and unparalleled properties.
With critical properties such as strength, durability and toughness, ease of sealing, and outstanding optics, our leading-edge polyethylene formulations help create, protect, and promote products throughout the packaging, agriculture, industrial, personal care, and hygiene markets. From store shelves, to harvesting, to shipping, to the factory, products made with our performance polymers can help reduce the risk of waste, breakage, and spoilage across the value chain.
