Coveris invests in production of sustainable, functional films

Pack Positive is focused on providing smarter plastics to reduce waste and improve recyclability. Responsible for the manufacture of more than 40,000 tonnes of PE film annually, the new machines will create an additional capacity of 5,000 tonnes of recycle-ready mono-polymer films for the food and manufacturing sector.

Supporting continued growth in the technical films sector, Coveris stated that the installation of two additional five-layer coextrusion lines marks a positive step in supporting the business’ advancement into more sustainable and functional film alternatives. Coveris claimed the investment, combined with continued innovation of EVOH-based, shelf-life enhancing products, positions it as, ‘one of the film industry’s leading sustainability partners for the future’.

Gary Rehwinkel, Coveris UK president, commented: ‘Given the current focus on plastics packaging and the need to offer more recyclable solutions, our new investment strategically positions Coveris to further support this transition into more sustainable plastics. As the UK market’s leading manufacturer of recycle-ready films, no other coextrusion plant in the country has the flexibility and capacity Coveris has.’

Over recent years Coveris’ Winsford site has been focused on developing smarter, PE alternatives to less recyclable films or tray products. Last year the business made headlines by working with Co-op to develop a multi-layer PET barrier option that enables lidding film to be directly heat-sealed to a mono-plastic tray. Removing a PE) bonding layer from the tray through integration in the film now means that around 80 percent of the pack weight can be recycled.

Aligning the additional capacity with Coveris’ wider flexible films offer, the investment will also create downstream opportunities for its print, lamination and conversion businesses.

The news comes after the sale of Coveris’ US packaging arm to TC Transcontinental, allowing for the remaining Coveris businesses to focus on its flexible and rigid business in Europe.