Total Develops a New Grade of HDPE for Thermoforming Applications

Houston, March 2, 2017 – Total Petrochemicals and Refining USA, Inc. has generated excitement in the sheet extrusion thermoforming (SET) market with the introduction of high density polyethylene grade 9825E. This grade is well suited for shallow draw thermoformed packaging applications in the foodservice and food packaging industries that require high rigidity and toughness.

Total’s 9825E high density polyethylene delivers the stiffness needed in SET applications. The increase in stiffness gives one the opportunity to lightweight, yet still maintain the performance compared to other HDPE grades used in SET applications, or to make a product of equivalent weight, but with improved performance. Other positive attributes that 9825E offers are impact strength, chemical resistance and low water vapor transmission rate.

Total developed 9825E to be used in a broad range of thermoformed foodservice and food packaging applications. “Not only does 9825E provide improved rigidity and processability compared to other grades of HDPE used in thermoformed containers, it offers increased gloss for improved aesthetics,” says Ted Harris, Marketing Manager for Total’s Polymers Americas. “Additionally, it satisfies a growing demand for materials that are widely accepted in recycling programs.”

Applications well suited for the use of 9825E include drinking cups, bowls, portion cups and yogurt containers.

About Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA, Inc.
Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA, Inc. (TPRI) is part of the Refining-Petrochemicals Americas Division of Total S.A., one of the largest integrated international oil and gas companies with operations in more than 130 countries worldwide. TPRI is headquartered in Houston and is a major producer of polypropylene, polystyrene, styrene, base chemicals and polyethylene in the United States. Its refinery produces transportation fuels and other petroleum-based products for the global market. The company employs more than 1,600 who work in support of manufacturing and research/development activities in Texas and Louisiana. Visit us online at www.polymers.total.com.

About Total Refining & Chemicals

The Total Polymers Business Unit is based in the Refining & Chemicals division of the Total Group, a leading international oil and gas company and the world’s second-ranked solar energy operator with SunPower. Its activities span oil and gas production, refining, petrochemicals and marketing. In the field of polymers, Total combines key areas of expertise in catalysis, processes and products to provide high performance and durable solutions for its customers. With its packaging solutions, Total is committed to contributing to a better world by conserving food, cutting down on waste and reducing its environmental footprint, in line with its commitment to better energy. www.total.com; www.polymers.total.com.