Sustainable packaging developer Coveris is investing €1.8m ($2.1m) in two manufacturing sites in Poland as it increases production capacity in Central and Eastern Europe.

The spending covers new equipment and technology intended to raise output, enhance production speed and improve functionality in packaging for food, pet food and personal care segments.

At one of the sites, the company has installed a SOMA Proxima printing press for wide web applications, with operating speeds of up to 400 metres a minute.

The equipment is expected to lift annual capacity by around 30% while also shortening turnaround times and improving production efficiency for “higher-volume” packaging work.

The company has also added a LEMO machine for making wicketted bags in sizes ranging from 230mm to 380mm.

The line works with CPP, LDPE and HDPE films and can produce as many as 550 bags a minute.

These bags are used for bakery, produce and personal care items.

According to Coveris, the extra output should help shorten lead times and provide more flexibility when demand rises.

Coveris has also brought in laser scoring technology for flexible packaging formats, including stand-up pouches and flat-bottom bags.

The system is designed to create clean opening features for consumers.

The company said the moves underline Poland’s role in its Central and Eastern European operations.

Coveris CEO Christian Kolarik said: “Strategic investment in technology is key to how we grow and support our customers. By strengthening our operations in Poland, we are expanding capacity, increasing flexibility and delivering the speed and quality our customers need to compete in fast-moving markets.”

Recently, Coveris completed the sale of its business unit paper (BU Paper) to Kingswood Capital Management.  

The unit has been renamed Paranova Print and Packaging.