MULTILAYER FILM | MATERIALS
Myriad benefits of multilayer film
Recent developments in multilayer film include a pouch to package oil and lubricant, new films for fish and seafood and a five-layer line that boosted a converter’s output
Multilayer film is critical in packaging, helping to deliver barrier and mechanical properties – which is increasingly achieved with mono-material solutions. Tropic Plastic & Packaging Industry, a South African manufacturer of flexible packaging, recently bought an Evo five-layer blown film line from Reifenhäuser. The Durban-based company is a specialist in
extrusion, flexographic printing, lamination and bag conversion. But in 2025, it saw the need to invest in a new line. “We had to increase the capabilities and capacities in our production,” said Ismail Simjee, CEO of Tropic. This was particularly important in the premium
product segment. Tropic wanted to expand extrusion volume with a new line – while offering even higher-value film quality. “The five-layer line allows us to place desired functions exactly where they are needed in the film,” said Ismail Simjee, CEO of Tropic. “Our customers now receive higher-performance packaging at a competitive price, and the new technology enables us to innovate on an industrial scale – not just within pilot trials.” In addition, recyclate can be used in the
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second and fourth layers. Among other things, Tropic makes food packag- ing – which requires more complex structures than standard films. This includes special laminating films with a thin sealing layer. The existing Tropic lines were reaching their limits in this regard. “In addition, we received more enquiries for
recyclable PE mono-material structures and for thinner films that perform just as well or better than the films being replaced, despite downgauging,” he said.
Barrier production Separately, Reifenhäuser’s latest Evo Ultra die heads were showcased by Smurfit Westrock at an open house event in Spain recently. The dies are designed for barrier film production exceeding 1,000 kg/h on blown film lines. A highlight of the event was the output of over 1,000 kg/h for barrier applications, delivering films with properties including a profile accuracy of better than ±3% at a thickness of 70 microns. This helps to ensure that the thickness of the expensive EVOH barrier layer is closely controlled – which minimises material costs. The final film is recyclable,
September 2026 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 13
Main image: Smurfit Westrock is using Evo Ultra Die 7 heads from Reifen- häuser to make barrier film
IMAGE: REIFENHAUSER
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