European packaging manufacturer Coveris has made a new investment in its polyethylene extrusion facility in Winsford, Cheshire, UK, to strengthen its capabilities in creating sustainable, recyclable films.
The site is the company’s UK centre of excellence for high-performance technical barrier and stretch films.
The investment is in line with Coveris’ ‘No Waste’ strategy, funding the addition of a nine-layer blown extrusion line for technical ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) barrier films.
The upgrade also includes a new cast stretch extrusion line and a 5,000-pallet space warehouse.
The latest nine-layer blown extrusion line reportedly establishes Coveris as the UK’s largest producer of polyethylene EVOH barrier films.
These recyclable films are designed to extend the shelf life of perishable food items such as meat, fish, and dairy products.
The increased production capacity of polyethylene EVOH barrier films will support Coveris’ innovative film developments, including the MonoFlex and PolyFlex ranges, and its expansion into the thermoforming and vacuum skin packaging (VSP) market segments.
Coveris Winsford noted that a cast extrusion line for stretch films will complement the site’s existing blown stretch and pre-stretch capabilities. It is expected to start production next month.
The stretch films produced using this technology will be used for machinery applications, catering to sectors that handle heavy goods. In line with sustainability goals, the films produced will comply with the UK Plastic Packaging Tax, containing at least 30% recycled content.
The construction of a new warehouse at the Winsford site will significantly increase storage capacity and is anticipated to be fully operational by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Coveris Winsford managing director Sujoy Bose said: “These exciting developments are part of our ongoing commitment to driving innovation of sustainable films. Our focus remains on producing packaging that incorporates recycled content, advances recyclability, uses the minimum amount of material for the maximum benefit via downgauging projects, and delivers optimal shelf-life through EVOH barrier technology.
“We are really proud to deliver many environmental initiatives through investment in industry-leading capabilities, our Film Science Lab expertise and sustainability culture. These enhancements are integral to Coveris’ No Waste strategy and support a more sustainable future for the packaging industry.”
Earlier this year, Coveris Winsford revealed plans to expand its portfolio to include the manufacture of VSP films.
A dedicated manufacturing hall has been opened, and the latest VSP conversion equipment has been installed, leveraging the site’s expertise in nine-layer EVOH barrier film production.
Last month, the company launched a $6.68m investment plan at its St Neots packaging facility in Cambridgeshire to scale up the production capacity of its recyclable food-to-go packaging products.
