Film/Sheet Machinery

Machinery on display by SML and W&H at Chinaplas 2025

In recent months, Austrian machinery maker SML's development efforts have focused on increasing capacity, productivity and efficiency as well as promoting recyclability in the sense of a circular economy.

Thus, at Chinaplas 2025, to be held from 15-18 April in Shenzhen, China, SML will focus on its new type of multifunctional cast film system for the efficient production of easy-to-recycle mono-material film and its advanced Triplex coating and laminating line for aseptic cardboard packaging.

Besides standard products, such as CPP, CPE, Cast-PET and barrier films, SML's new cast film line fitted with a further-developed MDO unit is especially designed to process mono-oriented films for easy recycling.

It features a wide functional range for standard food and non-food packaging to easy-to-recycle standup pouches in a thickness range of 15-60 µm; plus an advanced MDO unit with improved film properties and simple maintenance.

SML's Triplex coating and laminating lines represent a new approach in the manufacturing of liquid packaging board e.g. for dairy products or fruit juices. It is designed to process thin paper and rigid paperboard at an equally high quality.

It features an optimised product change over with low waste; the best cost-performance ratio and comfortable operation and good accessibility.

Meanwhile, Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H), a provider of machinery and systems for the manufacturing and converting of flexible packaging, will present these solutions plus a focus on recyclability, at Chinaplas 2025. One will be the Varex's MDO-PE barrier solutions, accompanied by samples from various key industry partners.

Additionally, in collaboration with partner ExxonMobil, the family owned company will present Varex's blown film five-layer MDO PE, along with Optimex's blown film 100% PCR collation shrink. Filmex’s cast film PP and barrier structures, including MDO technology, will also be highlighted.

Other topics to be explored include paper bag solutions by Garant Maschinen, such as concepts for cross bottom bags or flat and satchel bags, which aim to offer paper alternatives, such as diaper overwraps and e-commerce mailer bags.

Oben to commission high output

BOPP line Mexican packaging film maker Oben Group continues to expand its footprint. Following the acquisition of KristaFilms in July 2023, the company is set to establish a new production facility in Monterrey, Mexico.

This facility will feature what is said to be the world's most advanced BOPP film production line from German machine maker Brückner.

The line will have a speed of 700 m/minute and a film width of 12 m, and an output of 94,000 tonnes/year, setting new industry benchmarks in output, speed, and winding diameter, according to the machine supplier.

Oben Group has more than 17 manufacturing plants across the Americas and Europe, and is one of the world’s largest film producers with a diverse portfolio including BOPP, BOPE, BOPET, BOPA, PET-shrink, CPP, CPE, CPA, and cast; and films with added functionality by Al/AlOx metallisation and by single/double side water-based coating processes serving a wide range of industries.

Additionally, Oben is a key producer of thermoformed products, PP construction boards, and PET straps, complementing its diverse and sustainable product portfolio.

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