AECI Specialty Chemicals introduces Prime Polymers’ EVOLUE™ bimodal metallocene polyethylene
THE South African flexible packaging sector is undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by the demand for higher production efficiencies, superior film performance and sustainable design. To help local converters meet these challenging market requirements, AECI Specialty Chemicals has officially announced its appointment as the South African agent for Prime Evolue Singapore and their premier EVOLUE™ metallocene linear low-density polyethylene (m-LLDPE) range. This partnership brings world-class polymer technology directly to local manufacturers, supported by AECI’s dedicated team of technical professionals.
Redefining processability and strength: the bimodal advantage
Historically, film extruders have faced a difficult trade-off between the outstanding mechanical properties of metallocenecatalysed resins and the ease of processing associated with conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Conventional mono-modal LLDPE resins often struggle with processing constraints, while mono-modal metallocene grades can require higher extrusion pressures and specialised equipment.
EVOLUE™ overcomes this historic bottleneck by combining a state-of-the-art metallocene catalyst with Mitsui Chemicals’ proprietary bimodal process technology. The bimodal process utilises two cascaded reactors to produce polymers with precisely controlled composition and molecular weight distributions (MWD).
By carefully tailoring the polymer structure, EVOLUE™ features a narrower MWD than conventional polyethylene, resulting in a significantly reduced presence of problematic low- and high-molecularweight components. The reduction of low-molecular-weight components directly addresses blocking and odour issues. Simultaneously, reducing the high-molecular-weight components enhances both fi lm clarity and heatsealability.
Crucially, because bimodal EVOLUE™ maintains a broader MWD than monomodal metallocene grades, it delivers exceptional ease of processing, higher extrusion outputs and lower melt temperatures without sacrificing mechanical strength. In many co-extrusion and blending applications, this advanced processability can even eliminate the need to blend in LDPE, offering converters substantial cost savings.
Outstanding physical and optical performance
For convertors producing high-performance flexible films, EVOLUE™ provides a step-change in mechanical properties:
• Unrivalled puncture and dart impact strength: Key grades such as SP1520, SP1510, and SP0510 exhibit outstanding dart impact performance, reaching the maximum nonbreak test limit of over 1500g on a 40 micron blown film. Puncture strength and pinhole resistance are also superior to other standard m-LLDPE grades of similar densities, offering exceptional package integrity during transport. This outstanding strength profile opens significant opportunities for down-gauging (thickness reduction) to reduce raw material consumption and total cost.
• Extremely low gel count: Gels (or “fish eyes”) are a common cause of printing defects and film structural weakness. EVOLUE™ is specially designed to maintain a very low gel count, which guarantees a flawless printing surface, improves aesthetic appearance, and minimises web wastage during high-speed printing and converting.
• Low odour and low taste transfer: Using a specialised treatment to minimise volatiles, EVOLUE™ achieves an incredibly low odour index of 31.1. This is significantly lower than conventional C4-LLDPE (36.1), conventional LDPE (36.2), and competitor metallocene C8-LLDPE (41.9), ensuring that the original taste and flavour of packaged food and liquids remain entirely unaffected.
Tailored grades for diverse applications
The EVOLUE™ portfolio imported and stocked by AECI Specialty Chemicals includes specialised grades tailored for specifi c converting processes.
In blown film applications, the range includes SP2020, SP2320, and SP2520, which are highly recommended for liquid standing pouches due to their balance of stiffness and sealing integrity. For liquid sachets, frozen foods, and bag-inbox (BIB) packaging, grades like SP0510 and SP1520 act as excellent strength and heat-seal modifiers.
When low-temperature heat sealing and rapid hot tack are required for high-speed form-fi ll-seal (FFS) lines, SP0820 and SP0510 excel. Additionally, SP3010 and SP3210 are optimised for heavy-duty industrial shipping bags that demand maximum tensile and tear strength.
For cast film extrusion and extrusion coating, AECI offers grades such as SP0540, SP2040, and SP1071C, expanding the technology to lamination and polypropylene (PP) modifi cation.
A bridge to circular and sustainable packaging
Beyond performance, EVOLUE™ provides a practical pathway for South African brand owners and converters to achieve their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and sustainability goals. The resin is highly compatible with mechanical recycling streams and can be blended with recycled PE or PP to improve the physical properties of post-consumer resins.
Crucially, EVOLUE™ enables the design of high-barrier, fully recyclable mono-material structures. By using EVOLUE™ for both the printing substrate (such as BOPE or MDO films) and the high-performance sealant film, converters can replace non-recyclable multi-material laminates with fully recyclable all-polyethylene packaging.
Furthermore, the global portfolio extends to chemical recycling options and renewable feedstocks under the bio-circular Prasus™ brand, reflecting Prime Polymers’ commitment to protecting life and resources on this planet.
Partnering with AECI Specialty Chemicals
As local polymer markets navigate supply challenges and technical transitions, AECI Specialty Chemicals stands ready to support convertors with its technical expertise. By partnering with global leaders like Prime Polymer, AECI ensures that South African technical industries have reliable access to high-performance polymers that meet the highest international standards. AECI’s experienced technical sales team is available to assist with formulation optimisation, trial support, and grade selection to optimise processing efficiency and final film performance.
For more technical information, grade availability, or to request a sample, contact the AECI Specialty Chemicals Polymers team today.
