Futamura invests in capacity expansion

Futamura, a global supplier of cellulose films, casings and non-wovens, has invested in a new production line at its European manufacturing facility to meet the increasing demand for the company’s renewable and compostable NatureFlex films.

Futamura has invested in a new production line at its European manufacturing facility to meet the increasing demand for the company’s renewable and compostable NatureFlex films

According to the company, consumer appetite for eco-friendly and sustainable products remains robust, driving a steady increase in sales of its flagship packaging technology, which was launched 20 years ago. 

The new casting machine will boost the production site’s capacity by around 25 percent, reducing Futamura’s lead times while increasing the quantities of film that it can offer the marketplace.

Andy Sweetman, sales and marketing director at Futamura, commented: ‘NatureFlex films are ideally suited to applications where recycling is problematic – small wrappers, laminate structures, fruit and vegetable labels to name a few – and often adopted where they complement the brand’s ethos.’

Following its launch in 2002, Futamura’s NatureFlex range of films has been adopted by many brand owners. The materials are designed to meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible packaging. They are derived from renewable cellulose and meet the global standards for industrial composting, including BS EN13432, and are certified home compostable.

Futamura said that using a renewable and compostable film gives brand owners an unparalleled opportunity to speak proudly about their packaging. The challenge then is to ensure that consumers are aware of the special nature of the packaging used. The current composting infrastructure in countries such as the UK should be able to cope with the compostable packaging on the market. 

Policymakers and stakeholders need to make sure an adequate collection and labelling system is put in place so products end up at their destined end-of-life – an industrial compost site or a community or home composter.

In many countries, mandatory food waste collection will come into play shortly and this will provide the perfect vehicle for the collection of compostable packaging. This will boost recycling rates and ensure that less waste will be condemned to landfill.