Ultimate Flexipack, a manufacturer of packaging films with its office in Noida and plants in Haridwar and Jammu, purchased its sixth blown film line from W&H, a Varex II with MDO technology. Still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the new line for PE-MDO films was installed at the company’s plant in Haridwar in the first half of 2021. The Varex II was the key component in a new project to produce single polymer films to replace polyester films and mixed laminates in appropriate applications.
With this investment and implementation of new technology, Ultimate Flexipack can now produce laminates from 100% PE material that offer similar functionalities as conventional lamination films. Moreover, like other W&H machines which provide ease of use and flexibility, both MDO-PE and the PE sealing films can be produced on the same line. This is an added advantage as the blown film line can be used for much wider applications.
Recyclable films and sustainability
Recyclable films and sustainability are key drivers in the current flexible packaging market as consumer and brand owner expectations of packaging continue to rise. Apart from enhanced product protection, greater convenience, and improved aesthetics, sustainability is an important requirement. Companies such as Ultimate Flexipack, known for their high-quality films, are responding to these challenges. One alternative to conventional multi-material laminates and structures is to develop a mono-material MDO-PE laminate that is easily recyclable provided it reaches the appropriate waste and recycling stream.
Jeevaraj Pillai, joint president of Ultimate Flexipack, states, “Ultimate Flexipack was committed to getting packaged supplies to the public throughout the pandemic. With the installation of the Varex II MDO blown film line, we feel we will be able to meet our customers’ desire for more sustainable solutions. We are happy to work with W&H, an innovative organization, to expand our product offerings. The new line will boost our production and flexibility while reducing environmental impact.
“PE films processed with MDO technology not only fulfill the requirements of the downstream processes such as gloss, transparency and mechanical properties but also provide greater pliability and quality for producers.”
Varex II with MDO sets a new benchmark
W&H’s MDO technology contains several advantages that are proven with a large number of installations in the field globally. All the MDO unit’s roller temperatures and speeds are individually controllable, giving better handling and increased flexibility to the blown film producer.
For better-optimized film properties during production, the stretching gap can also be adjusted (between 5-60 mm). Thus, the Varex II with MDO has set a new benchmark for achieving a critical aspect of oriented films, i.e., despite the stiff nature of the MDO-PE film, a wide film with excellent flatness can be produced.
Photo W&H
Shri Prakash Werlemann-Gupta, managing director of W&H India, comments on the relationship with Ultimate Flexipack, “This should be a landmark project for the Indian flexible packaging industry opening new avenues in the direction of sustainability. We are very thankful to Ultimate Flexipack for extending their long-term partnership with us with this very important project.”
