HOUSTON -- ExxonMobil Chemical's Vistamaxx™ specialty elastomers and resins targeted at flexible and rigid food packaging applications have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Food Contact Notification process. These grades, used in compounding and films, are also compliant with the compositional requirements of the EU-Directive 2002/72/EC for use in contact with food.

Based on ExxonMobil Chemical's proprietary Exxpol™ metallocene technology, Vistamaxx specialty elastomers and resins offer a unique combination of seal ability, adhesion, elasticity, flexibility, clarity and toughness. They also exhibit excellent compatibility with both polyethylene and polypropylene and are used as blend partners.

Food packaging applications can benefit from Vistamaxx resins' outstanding film sealing performance stemming from broad compatibility, very low seal initiation temperature and high hot-tack. Typical applications for Vistamaxx specialty elastomers include food containers, kitchen tools and utensils, and toys. As Vistamaxx polymers improve flexibility and impact resistance without affecting tensile strength, they can help prevent cracking in these types of applications.

“ExxonMobil Chemical has responded to the needs of customers who are either looking to add flexibility and strength to their food contact products or improve food packaging seals. Compliance to FDA regulations and the European Plastics Directive are important steps forward, opening up new global market opportunities,” said William Ramsey, Vistamaxx global market development manager, ExxonMobil Chemical.