Uflex invests in laser scoring technology

Using the laser scoring technology, the outermost layer of a laminate is incised with laser beams. It creates a predefined tearing path which guides the end user to conveniently open the packaging.

Arun Anand, executive vice president marketing at Uflex Packaging, said, ‘All of this is done without compromising the barrier properties required by the product packed inside.’

With the laser scoring technology, Uflex is offering a non-contact, clean process that eliminates the need for mechanical tooling or associated consumables. The laser system is capable of precise scoring process that adds accurate features. This also reduces production downtime.

‘The laser scoring technology that we have invested in provides the ability to precisely and consistently score flexible packaging at controlled depths at varying web speeds. Score lines are created in specified areas of the film and laminate, forming a narrow channel in the material for a tear to follow. Effectively, a laser weakens targeted layers of packaging material to produce score lines without compromising the barrier properties of the flexible film. Various laser scoring configurations such as half-moon cut, wedge cut, umbrella cut, slant cut to name a few are possible at our packaging manufacturing plants,’ explained Anand.

Uflex has offered this service to various FMCG brands of snack food, ketchups, condoms, pet food, tea, coffee, rice, spices amongst other. ‘For a leading snack brand in India, we engineered a three layered laser scored opening comprising PE/MET PET/PE which has resulted in tremendous ease of opening for end-users,’ said Anand.

Ashok Chaturvedi, chairman and managing director, Uflex, concluded, ‘Ease of opening a pack for accessing the product is fundamental to an end-user’s overall experience. In line with our business strategy, we have invested in sophisticated laser scoring technology. This in turn allows the consumers to easily open the pack, adding to experiential delight and upholding the very ethos of flexible packaging.’