FPT 3 2024

Vacuum Metallising of Flexible Colour ShiŌing Films without using inks, pigments or flakes

DigiƟzaƟon of Packaging

Lorven Group Boosts ProducƟon with VAREX II: New Benchmark

Packaging Laminate Market is Expected to Reach a High ValuaƟon of USD 9,694.9 Million Vetaphone coronaequipment favoured by Amcor Flexibles

4

Colour shift effect is produced in nature by different mechanism including pigments, light absorption and interference as well as by a mechanism called photonic crystals. In industrial applications various methods have been employed to reproduce such effect. These methods rely on physical, chemical, and mechanical principles. This includes optical absorption, interference, micro-structuring and scattering.

12

At last. drupa is back, with less than a year to go the anticipation is building. Trying to work out what the theme of the show will be tricky, after eight years and the impact of COVID. The drivers of sustainability, automation and workflow as the world continues to digitise dominate most print and packaging operations.

16

The global packaging laminates market is set for significant growth, with sales expected to rise from USD 6,336.3 million in 2024 to an impressive USD 9,694.9 million by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% over the forecast period. This follows a strong market performance in 2023 when packaging laminate revenue reached USD 6,118.4 million.

20

At W&H, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to develop cutting-edge solutions that empower our customers to achieve new heights of efficiency and quality. The recent installation of our VAREX ll blown film extrusion machine at Lorven Group exemplifies our commitment to this mission, delivering an impressive output of over 900 Kg/hr and setting new benchmarks in the industry.

22

When a major global packaging group like Amcor chooses Vetaphone surface treatment equipment for its flexible packaging plant in Belgium, it’s a massive testimonial to the quality and reliability of the Danish manufacturer’s technology.

2

3

Vacuum Metallising of Flexible Colour Shifting Films without using inks, pigments or flakes Colour shift effect is produced in nature by different mechanism including pigments, light absorption and interference as well as by a mechanism called photonic crystals. In industrial applications various methods have been employed to reproduce such effect. These methods rely on physical, chemical, and mechanical principles. This includes optical absorption, interference, micro-structuring and scattering.

Idvac ltd, a UK innovative vacuum R&D specialist, has recently developed a vacuum metallising process of flexible colour shifting films without the use of structural embossing, inks, flakes or pigments. The process exhibits an aesthetically appealing colour shifting effect from red to green depending on the angle of viewing. This process is cost effective and can be used for many applications.

The Colours with bril- and interference as well Plasmonic nanoliant lustres found in as by a mechanism structures systems nature have long at- called nano-structuring. (Figure 1) are generally tracted the scientific in- To reproduce such col- containing nanostructerest. Such colours can ours in the laboratory tured metallic compobe observed in flowers, scientists have used nents allowing for the pearl, jewel, butterflies, various physical, chemi- exploitation of surface peacock tail, beetles cal, and mechanical plasmon resonances to and fishes. Natural col- principles including op- capture, concentrate, our lustres are caused tical absorption, inter- and propagate optical by different mecha- ference, plasmonic mi- energy. This produces nisms including pig- cro-structuring and coloration which origiments, light absorption scattering. nates from the variation

www.packagingnewsletter.com 4

at a length scale struc- ucts at high speeds and ture comparable to the low cost. However, this optical wavelength. approach is mainly used for decorative and some On the other hand, vacsecurity applications. uum web metallizing technique has been em- This article will outline ployed to reproduce the basic principles of such coloured lustres thin film optical interferfor commercial use. This ence for the production technique is a powerful of colour lustres and will and flexible tool that discuss the physics of has so far been used iridescent colour shifting successfully to metallize effect. flexible films and papers The Physical Princiwith aluminium for ples of Thin Film Inpackaging applications. terference It is also used to reproduce structural colours Interference effects ocby metallizing holo- cur when two optical graphic embossed films waves constructively or with aluminium or high destructively combine refractive index materi- after reflecting from two al. Vacuum web metal- parallel surfaces. If the lizing offers faster and optical path of the two cost effective method surfaces is a multiple of for producing colour lus- exactly one full wavetres as compared to length, the two waves other processes which will constructively interhave been carried out fere and there will be a using slow and time strong reflection at that consuming physical or wavelength. chemical processes.

Vacuum web metallizing On the other hand, if can provide a manufac- the phase of the reflectturing opportunity to in- ed wave differs by onecrease production half wavelength or an throughput of iridescent odd multiple of one-half or colour shifting prod- wavelength, then the

www.packagingnewsletter.com www.packagingnewsletter.com 5

reflected waves will be cal path length of 2nd- transparent material; Ør completely out of cosØr, where n is the is the angle of refracphase. Consequently, a refractive index of the tion. The transmitted destructive interference transparent material; d beam will then be rewill occur at that wave- is the thickness of the flected from the metal length. In the latter case, the reflected wave will be low, and therefore a maximum in transmission. The phase of the two waves depends on the thickness and refractive index of the media separating the two surfaces, the wavelength of the light and the angle at which light strikes the surfaces.

The simple form of thin film interference consist of three layer stack; opaque metal layer coated with a transparent dielectric layer then a semi- transparent layer on the top (Figure.

2). When a monochromatic beam of light is incident upon the first semi-transparent layer, its amplitude will split or divided by partial reflection. The reflected wave will propagate towards the observer whilst the second transmitted beam will travel an opti-

Figure1. Nanodisk-Shaped Plasmonic Colour Shift

Figure 2. The Physical Principles of Interference

www.packagingnewsletter.com 6

opaque layer and propa- ence should be opti- a specific low or high gate towards the ob- mised to achieve high refractive index. Mateserver. If the two re- degree of luminosity rials such as zinc sulflected light (or partial and spectral selectivity. phide (n=2.6), Titanium amplitudes) exit the Also, the peak reflective oxide (n=2.7), or Alustack with the same wavelength, i.e. the col- minium oxide (n=1.76), phase then they con- our of the stack should Silicon oxide (n=1.54) structively interfere, changes as the observer and sodium aluminium thus enhancing the re- changes the viewing an- fluoride ( Cryolite) have flectivity of the stack at gle. This will produce a been used. However, that wavelength. In this clear colour shift or in- some of these materials case, the path differ- terference when the op- are hygroscopic and ence between all corre- tical stack is tilted by must be insulated from sponding points on the certain degree. the environment by a two wave fronts must protective coating. In The types of dielectric equal some integer muladdition, the zinc and materials utilized to fabtiple, p, of the incident Cryolite salts suffer ricate interference films wavelength. from temperature instadepend on the applicability, which further reIt can be seen from Fig- tion. In general, such duces their perforure 2 that if the reflec- dielectrics are nonconmance, even though tive phase shift is the ductive materials having same then the condition of constructive interference is mλ= 2 nd cosß. If the path difference between the two wavelengths is equal to an odd multiple of half wavelength ( i.e. χ= [(m+½)λ], then they will destructively interfere. This will reduce reflectance at that wavelength. For high quality iridescent reflection the constructive and destructive interfer-

Figure 3. Fabry-Perot Filter

www.packagingnewsletter.com 7

they are simple and rel- light waves reflected type interference, inatively cheap to manu- and transmitted by the volving multiple optical facture. After deposition dielectric materials in- stacks of transparent of the dielectric salt lay- terfere to produce bril- layers with thicknesses ers, a final layer of sili- liant iridescent colours of the order of the con oxide or a protec- that appear to be ema- wavelength to achieve tive polymeric coat are nating from the film functionalities such as applied on top of the surface. anti-reflection, highmulti-layered stack for reflection and interferColour Shifting by protection. ence. The Fabry-Perot Fabry-Perot Structure interferometer was deIn other optical interferOptical coatings consist- signed in the late 1800s ence designs, alternating of one or more films by Charles Fabry and Aling high and low refracof dielectric or metallic fred Perot. The Fabry– tive index values are materials are widely Pérot interferometer is applied on substrates used in applications an optical cavity resonasuch as flexible films. ranging from mirrors to tor made from two parThe critical element of eyeglasses and interfer- allel reflecting surfaces. this design is the interence filters. Many con- It only transmits light of face between two dieventional dielectric coat- its resonant frequency lectric materials of difings rely on Fabry–Perot (Figure 3). fering refractive index (one much higher than the other), which is responsible for partially reflecting incident light forward and backward through the filter and producing the interference effect that results in wavelength selection.

Reflected and transmitted wavelength values are determined by the thickness and refractive index of the interspersed dielectric layers. Even though the Figure 4. Idvac Colour Shift Film thin coatings themselves are transparent,

www.packagingnewsletter.com 8

Opaque, inorganic Flakes. Such Flakes can aesthetically appealing based colour shifting be made opaque or colour shift effect from Fabry-Perot structures transparent and are red to green depending have been used for used to make colour on the angle of viewing. many years and have shifting paints and inks. (Figure 4). excellent colour shifting Idvac ltd Recent Col- The metallization proeffects. Typically, strucour Shifting Effect cess is carried out at tures of this type are fast film line speed and made by depositing up- Idvac Ltd. has recently can be done inside a on a substrate, a reflec- developed a colour standard vacuum web tor layer, followed by a shifting effect on flexible metallizer without the dielectric layer followed film without the use of need of any additional by an absorbing layer. structural embossing, parts or modification.

Such products appear inks or pigments. This This effect can be comhighly reflective from process is based on bined with holographic one side due to the Fabry-Perot optical prinmicro- embossing imagpresence of a reflector ciples for quick colour es to add extra security layer and appear highly switch. It is a combinaelement to a hologram. reflective with a colour tion of vacuum metallizIt can also be used for that changes in an an- ing process and low insecurity threads and gle dependent manner dex polymeric coating. decorative packaging inwhen viewed from the The process exhibit an opposite side due to the Fabry-Perot structure.

Iridescent Flakes used in paints and inks can be obtained from symmetric Fabry-Perot structures of the type Absorber/Dielectric/ Reflector/Dielectric/ Absorber, where two single Fabry-Perot structures share same reflector, by stripping off the deposited layers in the form of Flakes from the substrate , and subsequently dying the Figure 5. Idvac Colour Shift Film during Slitting

www.packagingnewsletter.com 9

cluding pharmaceutical ing effect. The selected give flexible films to add visual appeal to process depends on the unique features such as packed products. This final application and selective see-through colour shift effect can market. (transparency) with colalso be printed on films our shifting effect or seHowever, the employto produce texts, logos lective visible reflected ment of Fabry-Perot and patterns with a (opaque) colour shifting principles, which conquick colour switching effect. The product can sists of multi-layered between red and green be used in many applioptical stack, allows the (Figure 5&6). cations including packtuning of the reflected aging, pharmaceutical Conclusion colours according to apand security. plications and requireThere are various proments. This provides cesses that can be emgood spectral selectivity ployed to produce iriperformance over pardescent or colour shiftticular wavelengths to

Figure 6. Colour Shift Effect on micro-embossed Film

www.packagingnew www.packagingnewsletter.com 10

11

Digitization of Packaging At last. drupa is back, with less than a year to go the anticipation is building. Trying to work out what the theme of the show will be tricky, after eight years and the impact of COVID. The drivers of sustainability, automation and workflow as the world continues to digitise dominate most print and packaging operations. Recruiting and retaining skilled staff is increasingly difficult for many businesses as baby boomers retire and the younger digital native generations demand a different approach to their working life.

by Dr Sean Smyth – Analyst & Consultant, Smithers The Digital print devel- couraging more equip- steady stream of new opments will be centre ment suppliers to offer entrants, from estabstage across all digital printing systems lished analogue print graphics, industrial and for labels, corrugated, equipment suppliers packaging and there cartons, flexible pack- and new providers levwill be further an- aging, rigid plastics, eraging their digital nouncements this year glass and metal pack- print expertise. at drupa. Digital pack- aging. aging offers many opThe figures show how Image 1 and 2 portunities for commerthe suppliers of digital Digital printing systems cial printers looking to print equipment for la- for packaging and lamove into new sectors bels and packaging has bels in 2019, and in as many traditional developed since this 2023 (right) print applications contechnology map was tinue to decline. The On top of these there first produced in 2019. same dynamic is enare digital overprint There has been a

www.packagingnewsletter.com 12

systems and sophisti- Asian events bring to- speeds of 11,000 B1 cated bespoke integra- gether hundreds of sheets per hour, while tions, some operating brands, retailers, web presses offer as a part of manufactur- packer/fillers, convert- speeds in excess of ing and filling lines. ers, agencies and de- 400m per minute up to While there has been signers together with 2.8m wide. These are consolidation in the equipment, substrate mainstream alternatives supply side it is striking and ink/toner suppliers, to litho, flexo and grathat there have been with workflow and logis- vure alternatives. few exits from the sec- tics companies also inThe printhead and press tor, the high number of volved. These are excelmanufacturers are deplayers now competing lent forums and over veloping methods to in the wide range of the years the discussion eliminate inkjet artepackaging applications, moved from technology facts, compensating for offering new capabilities issues into tangible bennozzle outs and deviaand functionalities, with efits and improved busitions in real time that steadily increasing ness processes from extend the life of the productivity and lower adopting digital printheads and machine upcosts. ing, and increasingly time. Inkjet will be the digital finishing.

Well, the good news for real winner, with faster us print techies is this Today quality, reliability machines being shown, diagram will get even and productivity are no particularly in flexible more crowded this year. longer issues for inkjet packaging. Ink technolSmithers tracks the de- and electrophotography ogy is improving, with velopments in this sec- packaging presses. At UV and water-based tor, publishing reports drupa there will be inks being employed for and running confer- sheetfed inkjet ma- specific applications. ences on digitally print- chines offering the There will be more highed packaging. The Euro- equivalent of process ly pigmented formulapean, American and colour sheetfed litho at tions helping reduce the

www.packagingnewsletter.com 13

inkfilm thickness while press minders and fin- tegrating with managelowering the total cost ishing journeymen op- ment information sysof ownership further erators – important as tems to automate the boosting the share of skilled labour resources administration needed digital print. become scarcer. to handle many short run jobs. Workflow will It is not just printing. While new digital pressbecome increasingly Some vendors will show es are the shiny and collaborative, with new single pass, highly auto- sexy headline grabbers, designs produced and mated systems to print even more important is approved, then loaded and finish corrugated the enabling workflow into job queues for auboxes, cartons and flex- software. The only way tomated colour manibles in a single pass. of making money from agement and imposition The enabler is the com- a digital press is to prowith no manual involvebination of digital print duce saleable output ment at the converter. with digital finishing. and powerful workflow The MIS is linked, orThese will feature auto- is vital to prepare the dering substrates and mated control systems artwork files and keep planning the production that drive the press, the print queue well on printer and finishing measure and check the stocked. This can be a to meet the customer print then track through barrier for packaging requirements and optifinishing which may be converters entering the mise capacity at the coating, laminating, cut- sector as many do not converter. ting, creasing, folding have the necessary preand gluing, together press and data handling Digital workflow can be with a wide variety of skills. drupa will see daunting for packaging embellishments.

The many companies converters used to handigital front end control- providing solutions, in- dle a few large jobs but lers are becoming increasingly powerful, automating and driving the digital print unit while at the same time measuring and controlling quality and then to set and drive the finishing technology. This ap1 and 2 proach helps replaces Image Digital printing systems for packaging and labels in 2019, the traditional skills of and in 2023 (right)

www.packagingnewsletter.com 14

it is the way of the later in the supply chines doing interesting world. Companies can chain, closer to the con- things on cans, aeroexplore solutions at dru- sumer that helps pack- sols, plastic and glass. pa to simplify supply aging offer additional Established players will chains that will be key valuable functions. show improvements to to future success sup- These additional func- quality, speed and forplying packaging and la- tions move packaging mats, with new inks and bels. The market lead- beyond the traditional toners broadening the ers offer a broad variety containment and pro- types of packaging they of creative software. tection functions, with can produce.

They will show new information and promoI am really looking formethods to automate tion. A unique digital ward to seeing the newthe repetitive processes print can be connected comers who have alinvolved with packaging to the cyber world, ready announced develdesign, approvals and opening new opportuniopments that they will prepress taking time ties of logistical efficienbe showing off and I and cost out of the pro- cy and greater consumknow of several potencess. Other players will er engagement. tial developments sadly offer specific solutions drupa is the most im- under NDA that I am for integration and to portant print show, be- not allowed to mention, optimise colour mancause the exhibitors which is the bane of a agement, imposition (and all the important technology correspondand providing variable ones will be there) show ent. data capability. what they have, while All these packaging de- using the event to velopments are ulti- showcase what they are mately driven by end working on to gain feedcustomer expectations, back. And digital packor rather demands. In aging print (plus finishthe increasingly con- ing) will very much be nected world these de- on the agenda. There mands and expectations will be more machines are changing, with more for labels; corrugated – engagement and inter- post and preprint, reaction to improve the placements for litholam; consumer experience of for folding cartons; for the brand. Digital print- flexible packaging; for ing allows brands to metal and there will be make content decisions direct-to-shape ma-

www.packagingnewsletter.com 15

Packaging Laminate Market is Expected to Reach a High Valuation of USD 9,694.9 Million by 2034 The global packaging laminates market is set for significant growth, with sales expected to rise from USD 6,336.3 million in 2024 to an impressive USD 9,694.9 million by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% over the forecast period. This follows a strong market performance in 2023 when packaging laminate revenue reached USD 6,118.4 million.

In 2024, the market is the packaging lami- Old Source for This Reprojected to exhibit a nates market in 2024, port! year-on-year growth of holding a remarkable Flexible laminate rolls 3.6%, driven largely by 3/4th value share. This and pouches within the increasing demand underscores the grow30 to 45-micron thickacross multiple indus- ing reliance on plasticness range are set to tries, particularly food based packaging solucapture 1/4th of the and beverages.

The tions across industries. market share in terms food and beverage sec- Meanwhile, aluminum of value. These lamitor is anticipated to cre- foil is expected to regisnates are expected to ate a substantial incre- ter a healthy 4.6% expand 1.4 times their mental revenue oppor- CAGR during the ascurrent value over the tunity of USD 1,199 sessment period, showevaluation period, remillion between 2024 casing the material’s inflecting the growing and 2034, further bol- creasing popularity in preference for lightstering the market’s ex- flexible packaging soluweight, flexible packagpansion. tions. ing formats.

Plastic laminates are See How Things Have projected to dominate Changed: Access the

www.packagingnewsletter.com 16

The packaging lami- driver of this growth, Food industry holds a nates market is project- with increasing demand significant share in the ed to witness substan- for durable, protective, demand for packaging tial growth opportunities and flexible packaging laminates. over the next decade. solutions.

Canada is expected to From 2024 to 2034, the Key Takeaways from generate USD 75.3 milmarket is expected to Market Study lion in revenue and acgenerate an incremental count for 22.5% market growth opportunity of The global packaging share by 2034.

USD 1,341 million and laminate market experiexpand by 1.5 times its enced a Compound An- The United Kingdom’s current market value. nual Growth Rate pharmaceutical industry The food and beverage (CAGR) of 1.7% during has a turnover of USD sector will remain a key the historical period.

44.5 billion, supporting

www.packagingnewsletter.com 17

demand for specialized development.

Recent packaging laminates. activities and developments implemented by India, South Africa, and leading players in the China are projected to market are: exhibit high CAGRs of 7.2%, 5.5%, and 5.0% In January 2024, UFlex, respectively through a Noida-based flexible 2034. packaging company, launched its latest coldThe pouch segment of form laminate with holpackaging is expected ographic effects for the to grow at a CAGR of pharmaceutical industry 3.8% through 2034, at the CPHI-PMEC India driven by convenience exhibition. and sustainability trends.

In November 2023, TIPA introduced its new By material, the plastic home compostable lamsegment is set to witinate in the United ness a strong growth States. The product can rate with a 4.3% CAGR be used for snacks, from 2024 to 2034. bread, and spices packCompetitive Land- aging, as well as dry food packaging. It is alscape so ideal for packaged Leading players in the protein gummies, fruits, market are developing and granola. and launching new products to woo more In August 2023, Amcor AmFiber clients. They are inte- introduced Paper grating with different Performance in North firms and expanding packaging their geographical pres- America. The company aims to expand its Amence.

Fiber portfolio with this They are also collabo- launch. rating and partnering with brands & stakeholders for new product

www.packagingnewsletter.com 18

19

Lorven Group Boosts Production with VAREX II At W&H, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to develop cutting-edge solutions that empower our customers to achieve new heights of efficiency and quality. The recent installation of our VAREX ll blown film extrusion machine at Lorven Group exemplifies our commitment to this mission, delivering an impressive output of over 900 Kg/hr and setting new benchmarks in the industry.

We take great pride in tesh Kumar, and Direc- mLLDPE. It produces our partnership with tor Devulapally Kushal films that are not only Lorven Group, a compa- Kumar. With over 500 stiff and perfectly flat ny that shares our dedi- committed employees but also highly produccation to quality and and state-of-the-art in- tive, thanks to our adexcellence. Established frastructure, they con- vanced die and extruder in the early 1990s by tinuously strive for per- technology. By minimizLate Shri Devulapally fection. ing LDPE content, the Bhikshapati and transVAREX ll offers signifiVAREX ll machine is formed into a private cant cost savings, reindesigned to be a limited company in forcing our commitment game-changer 2010, Lorven Group has to delivering value become a leader in This 3-layer high output through innovation. comprehensive packag- blown film machine, Equipped with a new ing solutions under the measuring 2800mm in high-pressure cooling leadership of Chairman width, is capable of prosystem, the VAREX ll Mr. Devulapally Sunil cessing a variety of maensures improved outKumar, Chief Managing terials including LDPE, put and profile tolerancDirector Devulapally Ni- LLDPE, HDPE, and es. The fully automated

www.packagingnewsletter.com 20

winders provide precise pectations, confirming tension control, reduc- our decision to choose ing the need for manual W&H.” Says Nitesh Kuadjustments and guar- mar, MD at Lorven anteeing top-quality Group. films with remarkable efficiency. This level of automation and precision reflects our dedication to engineering excellence and customercentric solutions.

"The VAREX ll embodies our commitment to engineering excellence tailored to meet diverse customer needs. Partnering with Lorven Group as they expand in the flexible packaging sector is truly inspiring."

Says Divyanshu Katiyar, Sales Manager at W&H “Our experience with the VAREX ll has been outstanding. The installation was seamless, and the training provided by W&H's team was thorough and invaluable. Since integrating this state-of-the-art machine, we've noticed a significant increase in productivity and operational efficiency. The quality and performance have exceeded our ex-

www.packagingnewsletter.com 21

Vetaphone corona-equipment favoured by Amcor Flexibles When a major global packaging group like Amcor chooses Vetaphone surface treatment equipment for its flexible packaging plant in Belgium, it’s a massive testimonial to the quality and reliability of the Danish manufacturer’s technology.

Amcor’s Gent produc- bles was making strides the acquisition of Alcan tion facility is a giant, in the pharmaceutical, in 2010 saw conversion housing gravure print- films & packaging, and and extrusion separated ing in up to nine col- chemical sectors, with at Gent and in 2019, ours, digital printing, the establishment of a with the addition of Besolvent and water- strong R&D culture. mis, the group became based coating, laminaa major global leader in Throughout the 1990s tion, coextrusion, both package print producthe Group expanded cast and film up to nine tion. with numerous acquisilayers, and Vision Systions including Danisco, Today, the Gent plant tems for conversion and A&R, Rexam, and Tobe- has a broad product extrusion. It all began pal, with extruded vol- range including peel back in 1925 with the umes being consolidat- and barrier packaging production of celloed at Gent and the UK that serves all sectors. phane, which was the plant in Ilkeston. 2008 PE, PP, PA, and PETg are first plastic material brought a major €17m extruded in up to nine used for food packaginvestment programme layers and on the coning. In 1950, the plant at Gent with four new verting side, gravure became the first to exextrusion lines and the and digital printing trude in Europe, and by construction of a new combine with laminathe 1960s Amcor Flexiproduction hall, while tion, coating, and slit-

www.packagingnewsletter.com 22

ting.

Both extrusion “The challenge of work- in the production and converting sectors ing with a large and di- chain.” are monitored by Vison verse group like Amcor Beginning in 1990, VetSystems to assure qual- is knowing where to aphone has supplied a ity. start! But I knew that diverse range of corona the company valued its It was into this productechnology to the Belreputation for quality tion environment that gian plant that ranges very highly, and that Vetaphone set about from 1400 to 2300mm the accuracy of much of selling its surface treatin web width and generthe packaging it proment technology, as ators from 2 x 6kW for duced was critical, so Dirk Den Haese Sales extrusion lines to 2 x there was clearly no Manager of Vetaphone 10kW for different lamiroom for any weak link Benelux explained: nation lines.

For its food and pharmaceuti-

www.packagingnewsletter.com 23

cal work, Amcor is using and onto production and aging products are used exclusively Vetaphone recycling, the company by more than 4000 VP2 ceramic rollers to works hard at being in- brand owners – it holds ensure no contamina- novative,” according to 3700 patents, tradetion from the silicone Commercial Director Jo- marks, and registered sleeves, vulcanised and han Van Wesemael. designs, spends over aluminium backing roll- “Using our in-house pi- €100m on R&D each ers. This has become a lot line and all the ana- year, enjoying an annustandard item for Amcor lytical assets and exper- al sales turnover of Flexibles in Gent, where tise we have gathered US$14 billion. As Dirk the treaters have per- we can speed up devel- Den Haese concluded: formed well, drawing opments and through “If Vetaphone technolopraise for their low real-world testing deliv- gy is good enough for maintenance require- er validated solutions.” Amcor, by association it ments and easy access, makes us a global leadProof of this attention to and reliable perforer too – and it’s somedetail is the number of mance that provides the thing we are very proud international quality consistently even treatof! I estimate we have recognition awards held ment essential for a now installed more than

by Amcor, including ISO quality end-product. €1m’s worth of our 9001, 14001, 45001, technology at the Gent Speaking for Amcor, An- 50001, along with ISTA, plant, making Amcor dries Van Nieuwenhove, Ecovadis, and BRC acone of our largest cusPlant General Manager creditations. They are, tomers in the Benelux at Amcor Flexibles Con- in fact, no more than region.” version Gent said: “It is one would expect from key for us to have good such a major player in partners who support us the market, but are now in our journey to be the the basic requirements reference supplier of for the food, pharma, specialty peelable and and industrial sectors barrier laminates” that Amcor supplies on a regular and global baAmcor is very proud of sis. its customer engagement that takes a be- To put that size into spoke approach to the perspective, Amcor emchallenges of modern- ploys 42,500 people day packaging. “From across 220 locations in concept to prototype 43 countries – its pack-

www.packagingnewsletter.com 24

25