NORTHERN IRELAND – Biopax, a packaging and labels company, has made a substantial investment in a new rotary flexographic paper wrap printing and packing machine.
Expected to be operational by November 2023, this investment will notably impact Biopax’s offerings in the UK and Ireland markets for on-the-go deli and quick-serve restaurant solutions.
Traditionally, the demand for paper-wrapped food products in the UK and Ireland has heavily relied on imports from Asia and Europe.
However, Biopax’s latest multi-million-pound investment is poised to augment the domestic paper wraps supply by more than 500 million units annually, aiming to reduce dependence on imported goods. This step aligns with Biopax’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Driven by consistent annual growth exceeding 25% in on-the-go, pharmaceutical, and quick-service restaurant products, Biopax is meeting market demands.
It’s expanding its product range to include tamper-evident paper bags, addressing the growing need for secure packaging in the on-the-go food and pharmaceutical sectors.
Moreover, Biopax’s packaging development team is exploring PE-free solutions for the paper cup industry, aiming to improve circularity in the single-use cup category.
This initiative addresses consumer concerns regarding the limited recycling infrastructure for PE-lined coffee and beverage cups.
The new production line at Biopax will integrate advanced auto-camera color management and registration detection systems to ensure consistent quality and meet customer expectations.
The company’s paper wraps will align with sustainability goals, offering recyclability, re-pulpability, and compostability. Plant-based grease barrier coatings will maintain exceptional barrier performance against hot foods, salads, and sauces.
This latest investment follows a £20 million (US$25.08m) deal with printer manufacturer HEIDELBERG, further solidifying Biopax’s position in the sustainable packaging industry.
The press joins an identical Heidelberg installed in late 2021, and a host of ancillary equipment including a Suprasetter 106 platesetter, four Mastermatrix die-cutters, two Diana folder-gluers, and a Polar Guillotine and Pile Turner.
Biopax said it had decided to go with XL 106s for their performance, speed, and Heidelberg’s offer to mitigate the climate impact of the machine’s construction through Gold Standard certified carbon credit projects.
Additionally, plans for significant expansion at the Springvale Business Park site in West Belfast are in motion, with Biopax aiming to double its size within the coming year to cater to evolving customer needs.
Biopax emphasizes its unwavering commitment to investing in both current and future customer requirements.
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