Novel Markets and Breakthrough Applications for Polyethylene Products

OVERVIEW

ExxonMobil, the Seeker for this Wazoku Crowd Challenge, is looking for new markets for polyethylene (PE) and for breakthroughs in the use of PE in existing applications.

PE is one of the most used plastics in the world. Regardless of the specific PE type, all PE-based products show flexibility, chemical resistance, durability, and ability to seal, making them ideally suitable for a vast array of applications, of which packaging, construction, medical materials, and consumer goods are the most common. PE products have an extreme range of product property designs ranging from low density sealing resins on multilayer films through rigid applications like PE100 pipes.

The objective of this Challenge is to identify novel applications, or even completely new markets, for existing and future PE products. We expect Solvers to identify new packaging, construction, or other needs that aren’t currently covered by existing PE products. Alternatively, Solvers can identify existing or emerging fields where the replacement of currently used materials with PE-based ones could create economic value.

Resources for Solvers include the latest case studies and industry insights from ExxonMobil polyethylene can be found at: https://www.exxonmobilchemical.com/en/products/polyethylene/pe-performance-profiles

Additionally, Solvers can find physical, film, and rigid part properties for the range of existing PE products at: https://www.exxonmobilchemical.com/en/products/polyethylene/productselector#/datatable/landing (filter by “Performance Polymers”).

By taking part in this Prize Challenge, you are granting ExxonMobil a non-exclusive right to use your submitted information, however, ExxonMobil must determine the award winners within 45 days from the start of evaluation, otherwise ExxonMobil loses this right.

The Challenge requires a written proposal to be submitted. There will be a guaranteed award pool of $25,000, with at least one award of $10,000 or larger and no award being smaller than $5,000. Award distribution (or allocation) will be contingent upon the theoretical evaluation of the proposals. 

Solvers may:

• Submit ideas of their own.
• Submit third-party information that they have the right to use and further, the authority to convey to ExxonMobil this right with the right to use and develop derivative works.
• Submit information considered in the public domain without any limitations on use.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on April 1st, 2025.

Please review the later Participation Guidance section before submitting a proposal.

- Login and register your interest to start solving!

ABOUT THE SEEKER & ELIGIBILITY
 

ExxonMobil's businesses provide products that enable modern life, including energy, chemicals, lubricants, and lower-emissions technologies. We have an industry-leading portfolio of resources, and we're one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants and chemical companies in the world.

Employees of ExxonMobil are ineligible to receive an award for this Challenge.

THE CHALLENGE

Background

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most used plastics in the world; it’s a polymer composed of long and loosely connected chains of ethylene molecules.

There are different types of PE (for example, low-density PE and high-density PE), but regardless of the specific type, all PE products show flexibility, chemical resistance, durability, and ability to seal, making them ideally suitable for a vast array of applications.

The most common uses of PE are:

• Packaging (plastic bags, films, bottles, and containers).
• Construction (pipes, insulation, and geomembranes).
• Consumer goods (toys, furniture, kitchenware, and others).
• Various industrial applications (automotive parts, electronics, and medical devices).  

PE has extended its applications into areas where wear resistance and long-term performance are especially desirable. For example, PE is used as medical implant (hip and knee joint replacements, and dental implants) and industrial parts (bearings, gears, and liners). PE is also used to manufacture especially durable types of consumer products, such as cutting boards and kitchenware.

The latest case studies and industry insights from ExxonMobil polyethylene can be found at

https:www.exxonmobilchemical.com/en/products/polyethylene/pe-performance-profiles. 

Physical, film, and rigid part properties for the range of existing PE products can be found at https://www.exxonmobilchemical.com/en/products/polyethylene/productselector#/datatable/landing (filter by “Performance Polymers”).

The Challenge

The objective of this Challenge is to identify novel applications, or even completely new markets, for existing and future PE products.  The ideal solution will have a potential market size of 50 KTA (kilotons per year).

We want Solvers to consider a two-tier approach. First, we want them to identify new applications for existing PE products. To succeed, Solvers need:

• To identify new performance requirements that aren’t covered by existing PE products.
• To identify deficiencies in existing PE products that can be corrected by improving the properties of existing PE products.

Second, we want Solvers to identify completely new markets for PE-based products. To succeed, Solvers need:

• To identify existing or emerging fields where replacement of currently used materials with PE-based ones could create economic value.

To identify areas where using PE-based products could open new commercial opportunities that have not been considered before.

SOLUTION REQUIREMENTS

We’re open to any innovative idea, however unorthodox, as long as the proposed solutions meet the following Solution Requirements:

1. The proposed solution identifies a major extension of an existing application OR a completely new market using PE-based products.
2. Should the proposed solution imply using a PE-based product with improved characteristics, a clear description of these characteristics is expected.
3. A preliminary analysis of the potential market size. Solutions deemed to have a market potential less than 20 KTA will be rejected, and greater than 50 KTA will be preferred.
4. Ideas must be compatible with the properties of PE (see properties reference webpage above).

Important! We’re especially interested in solutions that not only suggest a new usage of PE-based products but also provide some support—in form of publications, patents, industrial reports, etc.—to the potential feasibility of the idea.

At the same time, we’re not going to accept solutions that:

• Have no identifiable market demand.

Solutions with any Technology Readiness Level (TRL) are invited, although those with TRL 2-4 are preferred.

This Prize Challenge has the following features:
 

1. By taking part, you are granting ExxonMobil a right to use your submitted information; however, ExxonMobil must determine the award winners within 45 days from the start of evaluation, otherwise ExxonMobil loses this right. You will receive notification.

2. There will be a guaranteed award pool of $25,000, with at least one award of $10,000 or larger and no award being smaller than $5,000. 

3. The award distribution will be determined after theoretical evaluation of the proposals by ExxonMobil.

4. Solvers may:

• Submit ideas of their own,
• Submit third-party information that they have the right to use and further, the authority to convey to ExxonMobil this right with the right to use and develop derivative works,
• Submit information considered in the public domain without any limitations on use.

5. ExxonMobil may also issue “Honourable Mention” recognitions for notable submissions that are not selected for monetary awards.

6. ExxonMobil may wish to partner with the Solver at the conclusion of the Challenge. Please indicate your interest in partnering.

YOUR SUBMISSION

Please login and register your interest, to complete the submission form.

The submitted proposals must be written in English, and in your submission form response and attachments, you should include:

1. Participation type – you will first be asked to inform us how you are participating in this challenge, as a Solver (Individual) or Solver (Organization).
2. Solution Level - the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of your solution.
3. Partnering - there may be an opportunity to partner at the conclusion of this Challenge. Please indicate if partnering is of interest to you.
4. Problem & Opportunity - highlight the innovation in your approach to the Problem, its point of difference, and the specific advantages/benefits this brings (up to 500 words).
5. Solution Overview - detail the features of your solution and how they address the Solution Requirements (500 words, there is space to add more in the summary field below, and to add any appropriate supporting data, diagrams, etc.).
6. Experience - Expertise, use cases and skills you or your organization have in relation to your proposed solution (up to 500 words).
7. Solution Risks - any risks you see with your solution and how you would plan for this (up to 500 words).
8. Timeline, capability and costs - describe what you think is required to deliver the solution, estimated time and cost (up to 500 words).
9. Online References - provide links to any publications, articles or press releases of relevance (up to 500 words).

PARTICIPATION GUIDANCE

1. Submission Close Date: Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on April 1st, 2025.
2. Late submissions: Late submissions will not be considered.
3. Multiple submissions, 3 Maximum: In case of multiple submissions by the same Solver, only 3 submissions – the final 3 submitted – will be considered. Any other submissions will be deleted prior to evaluation.
4. Submission form and attachments: Your submission will be evaluated by the evaluation team first reviewing the information and content you have submitted at the submission form, with attachments used as additional context to your form submission. Submissions relying solely on attachments will receive less attention from the evaluation team.
5. Evaluation notification steps: After the Challenge submission close date ExxonMobil will complete the review process and make a decision with regards to the winning solution(s) according to the timeline in the Challenge header. All Solvers who submit a proposal will be notified about the status of their submissions.
6. Use of AI: Please note that any submissions produced solely with generative AI are not of interest.
7. Learn more: Find out more about participation in Wazoku Crowd Challenges.