Blog O CNG Launches Sustainable Matte MDOPE Film for Packaging

As consumer demand for both visually appealing and environmentally responsible packaging continues to grow, Charter Next Generation (CNG) has unveiled a groundbreaking solution that bridges this divide. On September 24, 2025, the materials science leader introduced its latest innovation in the GreenArrow™ sustainable film series: a matte-finish MDO-PE (Machine Direction Oriented Polyethylene) printing film that combines premium aesthetics with certified recyclability.

Redefining Premium Sustainable Packaging

In today's competitive consumer market, packaging serves as more than just product protection—it's a critical touchpoint for brand communication and consumer engagement. CNG's new matte MDO-PE film addresses the dual challenge of meeting sophisticated design expectations while complying with increasingly stringent sustainability requirements.

The film's development represents a significant technological advancement in sustainable materials science. By integrating a high-quality matte finish directly into the film structure through CNG's proprietary MDO process, the company has eliminated the need for secondary coatings or varnishes that typically complicate recycling streams.

Technical Breakthroughs: Performance Meets Sustainability

• Cost Efficiency: The integrated matte finish reduces production costs by removing additional processing steps while maintaining compatibility with store drop-off recycling programs.
• Operational Benefits: Simplified manufacturing processes enable faster production cycles and greater flexibility for converters and brands.
• Consistent Quality: The engineered surface provides uniform matte characteristics that enhance printability and reduce waste during conversion.

The MDO-PE Advantage

The longitudinal stretching process used in MDO-PE film production creates several performance benefits that support sustainable packaging goals:

• Enhanced Strength: Molecular alignment increases tensile strength and stiffness, allowing for material reduction without sacrificing performance.
• Improved Thermal Stability: The films maintain integrity under high-temperature conditions common in food packaging applications.
• Lightweighting Potential: Thinner gauges can achieve equivalent or superior performance to conventional PE films, reducing material consumption.

Market Applications and Environmental Credentials

The matte MDO-PE film has received pre-certification from How2Recycle® for store drop-off recycling, validating its design for recyclability. This positions the material as an ideal solution for premium packaging segments where sustainability and aesthetics are equally important:

• Gourmet food and snack packaging
• Premium pet food applications
• Confectionery and specialty foods
• High-end product labeling

CNG will debut the new film at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2025 (September 28-October 1), where attendees can examine the material's properties firsthand. The introduction expands CNG's GreenArrow™ portfolio, which has earned over 450 How2Recycle® pre-certification letters for various sustainable film solutions.

With manufacturing facilities in Milton, Wisconsin and Lexington, Ohio, CNG maintains North America's most extensive MDO-PE production capacity. The company operates 18 plants across the United States with over 2,600 employee-owners dedicated to developing materials science solutions for flexible packaging applications.