news
Linpac makes France investment to boost output in lidding film
Packaging specialist Linpac is to make a large investment in multi-layer extrusion at its plant in Pontivy, France in order to produce ‘next generation’ lidding films. This will enable Linpac to engineer its ultra-light, resistant barrier flexibles for modified atmosphere packag- ing (MAP), in what has traditionally been a category of heavy gauge film usage. When combined with rPET
trays, the resulting lightweight modified atmosphere packag- ing (MAP) solution offers a range of benefits – from ease of handling to enhanced shelf life. Erwan Cadoret, business manager barrier films at Linpac, said: “The new production technology allows us to produce a broad range of high barrier films with enhanced anti-fog and print properties. In addition, tailor-made shrink perfor- mance enables tight, wrinkle- free packs with outstanding
Linpac has recycled 98% of its PVC at a plant in France
clarity and consumer appeal.” A notable new formulation,
created using the new process, is a 25 micron shrink-barrier, anti-fog 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 high optical quality and seal strength.
In addition, the film is
available in longer than standard rolls to reduce
downtime for the packer filler. “Our customers can expect
to see 27 micron PP and PE films for all tray sealers and 33 micron films for tray sealers, thermoforming lines, horizon- tal vacuum lines and vertical MAP flowpack lines,” he added. l At the same time, Linpac has raised PVC waste recycling levels at the plant to 98%. The remaining 2% of PVC
waste is sold to external customers for use in the
manufacture of rigid and flexible products such as pipes, cables and shoe soles. In addition, fumes created
as a by-product of the manufacturing process are captured and condensed for use as plasticisers in products such as garden hoses. Linpac recycled 227 tonnes
of PVC waste in 2016, including 42 tonnes of plasticisers that were reused externally. Over the last 10 years, the company says it has recycled more than 3,000 tonnes of PVC waste at Pontivy.
Didier Le Toquin, purchas- ing manager at Linpac France, said: “The ability to reuse waste PVC – and fumes generated in our manufactur- ing processes – is of great environmental significance. Materials that may have ended up in landfill, or polluting the atmosphere, can now be used to create new products with a useful service life.” ❙
www.linpac.com
Sonoco expands thermoforming capabilities
US-based packaging company Sonoco is to acquire Peninsula Packaging, a thermoforming specialist based in California. The deal, worth approxi-
mately $230 million, will see Peninsula’s ownership transfer from Odyssey Investment Partners to Sonoco. The transaction is subject to normal regulatory review and is expected to close by the second quarter of 2017.
6 “With the addition of
Peninsula, Sonoco will nearly double its thermoforming packaging capabilities,” said Jack Sanders, president and CEO. “Our goal has been to expand our consumer packaging portfolio to grow our offerings in both the centre of the store and the fast growing perimeter.” Founded in 2001, Peninsula had sales of around $190m
FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | March 2017
last year, and operates five manufacturing facilities – four in the US and one in Mexico. It specialises in thermoformed packaging for a wide range of whole fresh fruits, pre-cut fruits and produce and prepared salad mixes – well as baked goods – sold in super- markets. Sonoco’s chief operating
officer, Rob Tiede, noted that supermarkets have spent
$15bn growing their freshly prepared options in recent years – in order to increase sales of items along the perimeter of the store. Recent industry research
estimates that perimeter store sales of fresh foods could achieve a compound average growth rate (CAGR) of up to 7% over the next four years, he said. ❙
www.sonoco.com
www.filmandsheet.com
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