In a press release datelined Houston – 6 March 2025, LyondellBasell launched its Pro-fax EP649U, a new polypropylene impact copolymer designed for the rigid packaging market. This innovative product is specifically formulated for thin-walled injection molding, making it ideal for food packaging applications.
The company says that Pro-fax EP649U features high flow properties and fast crystallization, enabling the efficient production of thin-walled containers while enhancing both productivity and product quality. The additive package in Pro-fax EP649U facilitates easy mold release, reduces static and improves downstream handling on high-speed filling lines. Additionally, the high flexural modulus of this product provides superior stack strength for containers, which can allow for reduced container wall thickness and part lightweighting without sacrificing impact resistance.
A key attribute of Pro-fax EP649U is its improved organoleptic properties compared to other commonly used grades. It does not contain controlled rheology byproducts that can transfer unwanted taste and odor to packaged goods. The new product has broad food contact compliance for the US and other countries, as well as a non-phthalate catalyst for resin production and exclusively non-animal derived additives.
Pro-fax EP649U is also available in the LYB CirculenRenew and CirculenRevive portfolios (ie offered with appropriate sustainability certificates), which enable customers to meet their sustainability goals for recycled content and carbon footprint reduction. CirculenRenew and CirculenRevive are polyolefin products linked to renewable or recycled content using a mass-balance approach, certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification PLUS (ISCC PLUS) standard. CirculenRenew is produced from bio-based wastes and residues, while CirculenRevive utilizes pyrolysis oil made from plastic waste feedstock, both on a mass-balance basis.
“At LYB, our purpose is creating solutions for everyday sustainable living,” said James Deaton, commercial manager at LYB. “Pro-fax EP649U exemplifies our commitment to sustainable innovation by providing our customers with choices to meet their sustainability objectives without compromising on performance.”
Among the key suggested benefits of Pro-fax EP649U are high flow rate; excellent organoleptics; high flexural modulus; and nucleated anti-static properties.
