MIDLAND, Mich. – July 31, 2024 – Today, Dow (NYSE: DOW) announced two new technology additions at Pack Studios in Freeport, TX, to further its commitment to helping accelerate the development of circular packaging options. The additions include an MDO (Machine Direction Orientation) unit to its 9-layer blown film line for food and specialty packaging, and an upgraded Cast Film line designed to support industrial and commercial packaging customers.

Launched 12 years ago, Pack Studios was created to foster collaboration within the packaging industry. It has since become a premier innovation hub where brands and customers can experiment with different types of packaging without disrupting their production lines. These latest advancements continue to make Pack Studios a go-to development and testing facility for brands and customers looking to design for performance and sustainability solutions—without hindering their own production lines.

"We often refer to Pack Studios as the packaging playground. It is a place where we work across the value chain to test and optimize packaging solutions," said Kristin Matter, Dow's Technical Services and Development Lab Leader at North America Pack Studios. "Without the downtime needed on production equipment, our partners can run trials and not lose valuable production time on their own lines. Our operations mirror the most advanced technology that our customers have on-site, so we can work hand-in-hand with them to continuously innovate better products to meet their exact needs."

The Only In-Line, Commercial-Scale MDO Pilot Capabilities in North America
The versatile MDO unit is a film-making technology that supports the creation of durable, high functioning films. The addition of the MDO extension to the 9-layer blown film line enhances Dow's comprehensive suite of technologies for blown film applications to accelerate mono-material packaging development. This is a critical piece of technology to support the recycling of plastic films by testing their performance. As it stretches the plastic to its utmost tensile strength, it creates lighter-weight film (for use in packaging) and offers the use of less material per package. While there has been an increase in installation of MDO units, Dow has the only in-line, commercial-scale MDO pilot capabilities in North America, making Pack Studios a go-to place for brands to test and develop innovative packaging.

"This new MDO capability is part of Dow's 'Design for Recyclability' initiative – offering options for all-polyethylene packaging designs that would otherwise consist of multi-material, non-recyclable solutions," said Kara Stoney, Marketing Manager, Value Chain Engagement and Sustainable Packaging for Dow's Packaging and Specialty Plastics business. "This equipment will be leveraged to help inform best practices in design and production across Dow's global regions."

New Cast Line Expands Capability, Versatility at Pack Studios
While the MDO unit is an excellent choice for food and specialty packaging, the new cast film extrusion technology expands development and testing capabilities for industrial and commercial applications. The new Cast Film line is equipped with seven extruders, each paired with a six-component blending system, to aid in designing next-generation cast films. Dow's distinct materials produce high-performance films and packaging to facilitate the transport of goods safely and efficiently and with minimal product damage. And now, with these expanded capabilities, Dow is positioned to help customers keep circular and renewable packaging options at the forefront of the design process. For example, more complex cast film lines support a focus on sustainability through down gauging, the addition of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, and materials designed to facilitate recycling.

The new semi-commercial line has a fully automated winding section for loading and unloading that provides enhanced safety features. This level of automation is a first at Dow Pack Studios and reflects the company's continued commitment to improving safety.

Each line is equipped with an EREMA pelletizing unit that can also be used as a stand-alone system offering an opportunity to produce in-house recycled materials for evaluation and understanding. These investments in advanced technologies represent Dow's continued commitment to enhancing design capabilities and collaboration with its customers.

To learn more about Pack Studios' expanded capabilities, visit here.

About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world's leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting .

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For further information, please contact:

Eddie Keels
713.416.0500
ekeels@dow.com