ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy companies, recently launched its new ExxonMobil Signature Polymers portfolio brand, which focuses on delivering service and partnerships within the polymers industry.Â
ExxonMobil Signature Polymers unifies ExxonMobil’s polyolefin products under a single brand, simplifying portfolio navigation and promoting enhanced collaboration across the value chain.Â
The plastics industry faces challenges when incorporating recycled content into foamed products, particularly for building and construction. Recycled materials can compromise consistency, mechanical strength, and overall product performance, making it difficult to achieve both recyclability and structural integrity.Â
To tackle this challenge without sacrificing performance, ExxonMobil Signature Polymers led a collaborative effort with global plastics recycling systems leader EREMA, foam injection molding innovator Moxietec, and top injection molding machine manufacturer Engel.
For this partnership, EREMA processed a mixed stream of recyclates – 95% PP rigids and 5% PE film – into high-quality pellets using its advanced filtration and degassing system, while Moxietec applied its innovative foam technology to create lightweight locking blocks for construction applications to ensure impact strength was maintained where conventional foaming often falls short.
ExxonMobil Signature Polymers contributed Vistamaxx performance polymers to enhance the mechanical properties of the foamed products – Vistamaxx 3020 – Boosted foam impact strength by approximately 10% over EREMA foam alone; and Vistamaxx 6102 – delivered an even greater enhancement of around 17%, making it the preferred choice for the final formulation.
 Engel brought these elements together by integrating recycled materials and foaming technology into its injection molding systems to produce thick-walled foamed blocks. Designed for the building and construction industry, these blocks offer flexibility for single walls, double walls, and corner structures, combining durability with strength and design versatility.
Key results Â
Dart drop impact testing showed a 10% improvement in impact strength over conventional solid parts. Final foamed parts were approximately 30% lighter than conventional solid parts. The addition of Vistamaxx polymers further enhanced toughness and impact resistance. Foam exhibited a fine, uniform cellular structure, with no compromise from polymer additions.Â
By leveraging complementary expertise across the value chain, this partnership demonstrates the ability to deliver innovative foamed solutions that meet demanding performance requirements and optimize material use.
