Investment in flexible-packaging technologies increases capacity for recycle-ready, high-barrier solutions across dry goods, pet-food, confections, and specialty markets.

Charter Next Generation (CNG), a leading provider of substrates, today announced an expansion of its manufacturing capabilities with the installation of new 9-layer and 5-layer extrusion lines equipped with machine-direction orientation (MDO) technology. The investment increases CNG’s capacity to deliver high-barrier, recycle-ready films at scale, helping to transition away from mixed-material structures while meeting performance, sustainability, and emerging regulatory requirements.

“The addition of 9-layer MDO technology unlocks advanced barrier performance in recycle-ready films, giving brands the clarity, stiffness, and protection they need without relying on non-recyclable materials,” says Aaron LaPointe, senior principal engineer-CNG.

CNG has been at the forefront of MDO innovation. Earlier this year, the company introduced its matte MDO-PE print film, which is one of the industry’s first to integrate a premium matte aesthetic directly into the material and eliminates the need for secondary coatings or overprint varnishes. This film offers a turnkey solution that delivers both shelf appeal and a recycle-ready design in a mono-material structure, underscoring CNG’s continued leadership in developing advanced materials that meet market demands for performance, efficiency, and sustainability.

With multiple MDO-PE lines operating across its network of manufacturing facilities, CNG has one of the most comprehensive MDO platforms in North America. The addition of the new 9-layer extrusion line increases manufacturing redundancy and enables more complex high-barrier film designs for its  GreenArrow™ portfolio of sustainable films.

“Elevating our barrier capabilities with MDO technology reflects both the immediate customer needs and our long-term commitment to advancing sustainable packaging,” adds James Rosenberger, product mgr.-Sustainable Solutions, CNG.