LINPAC has announced it is accelerating its global sustainability strategy with a multi-million-pound investment in cutting-edge technology at its site in Pontivy, France.
The facility will manufacture a range of multi-layer, next generation top lidding films. Investment in a new production line at the site will allow the business to drive the growth of its lightweight lidding film offer, in line with its Lightweighting for Excellence (LIFE) programme.
The move enables LINPAC to continue active engineering of its ultra-light, resistant barrier flexibles for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), in what has traditionally been a category of heavy gauge film usage.
When combined with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) trays to create a complete pack solution, the resulting resource-efficient, lightweight MAP solution offers a range of benefits to the supply chain. From ease-of-handling to enhanced on-shelf presentation, the films offer a high level of functionality to protect and preserve fresh products.
Business manager of barrier films at LINPAC Erwan Cadoret commented: "The new LINPAC production technology allows us to produce a broad range of high barrier films with enhanced anti-fog and print properties for our customers. In addition, tailor-made shrink performance enables tight, wrinkle-free packs with outstanding clarity and consumer appeal.
"Essentially, we are able to deliver enhanced performance, whilst retaining excellent functionality."
A notable new formulation, created using the new multi-layer extrusion process, is a 25µm shrink-barrier, anti-fog, polyethylene (PE) film for retail-ready MAP formats. For use on manual and automatic lidding machines, and qualified form, fill, and seal machines, the thin film boasts outstanding optical quality and excellent seal strength. In addition, the film is available in longer than standard rolls to reduce downtime for the packer filler.
Mr Cadoret added: "Our 25µm film is just the start of a new wide range of exciting film developments that can be produced in Pontivy. Our customers can expect to see 27µm polypropylene (PP) and PE films for all tray sealers and 33µm films for tray sealers, thermoforming lines, horizontal vacuum lines, and vertical MAP flowpack lines."
LINPAC is committed to developing lightweight, sustainable packaging for the fresh food sector and will be showcasing the new range at CFIA 2017 in Hall 7 at stand C1. The event, held in Rennes, France, and will take place between 7 March and 9 March.