SIBUR develops new polyethylene grade for beverage packaging

22 June 2026. SIBUR has developed a new bimodal high-density polyethylene grade, HD21550 CC, for the production of 38 mm caps used to seal juices, dairy products, tea, and other beverages.

The new grade was developed in response to the requirements of closure manufacturers, for which processing stability on high-performance lines, retention of product geometry, sealing performance, and compliance with the hygienic and organoleptic standards of the beverage industry are critical. HD21550 CC can be used for cap production via both injection moulding and compression moulding. The grade offers excellent processability and ensures high-quality mould filling during cap production.

The advantage of bimodal polyethylene lies in its ability to combine good rheological properties during processing with a high level of mechanical performance in the finished product. As a result, HD21550 CC enables the production of caps that retain their shape during transportation and use, ensuring reliable sealing and preserving product quality throughout the entire shelf life. The grade’s hygienic characteristics meet beverage producers’ requirements and do not affect the taste or aroma of beverages.

The development of the new grade enables converters to use domestically produced feedstock on existing equipment, thereby reducing dependence on imported alternatives and lowering logistics costs. The expansion of SIBUR’s portfolio of beverage closure grades allows converters to select the optimal material for specific product requirements, while end consumers benefit from reliable, consistently high-quality packaging.

The new grade was developed with the participation of scientists from the SIBUR PolyLab Moscow applied R&D centre and experts from ZapSibNeftekhim. It has successfully completed customer homologation in the beverage packaging segment and is ready for industrial use.