Dow and MuCell Extrusion LLC enter agreement on Foamed Films Patent Portfolio

Dow Performance Packaging, a business unit of The Dow Chemical and MuCell Extrusion LLC announced that MuCell will exclusively license Dow’s Thin Foamed Films Patent family, using MuCell innovative Foaming technology to create physically foamed films for all film applications. This contract will further the two companies’ relationship as innovation collaborators.

The agreement not only eliminates existing confusion among potential customers as to patent and licensing obligations, but it also provides a clear demarcation of responsibilities for support of these foaming technologies. Dow will continue to offer resins specially formulated to optimize foaming results while MuCell will provide hands-on technology transfer equipment and technical support to customers.

“Dow has a great business relationship with MuCell and we look forward to creating the new portfolio together,” said Greg Bunker, Associate Marketing Director at Dow. “Foaming films is an excellent route to more sustainable packaging by reducing the usage of resin by 10-20 percent. Through this agreement, both companies are demonstrating their commitment to create superior foamed products that have less impact on the environment. The results will help our customers address their sustainability platforms and develop low environmental impact technology.”

This agreement follows from a similar strategic agreement from earlier this year, wherein Dow and MuCell Extrusion LLC reached an agreement for MuCell Extrusion to exclusively license Dow’s patent family on flat sheet resin technology.

MuCell technology is based on the direct injection of atmospheric gas (N2 or CO2) in its supercritical state. Injection during the supercritical state allows for a single-phase gas/polymer solution. Microcellular structure and controlled product density is achieved by the accurate control of gas concentration in combination with the proper release of extrusion pressure. MuCell has applied this technology to most plastic materials and processes.