Sonoco has expanded its production sites for injection molded rigid plastic packaging in Zwenkau, Germany.
By investing approximately €8 million and adding 25 new employees, the Hockenheim-based company aims to increase its production capacity and improve the location’s energy efficiency. In Zwenkau, Sonoco produces injection molded rigid plastic packaging using advanced in-mold labelling (IML) technology, which allows for the creation of highly decorated and visually appealing plastic containers that are particularly suitable for showcasing spreads, sausage products, fish, and dairy.
Additionally, Sonoco produces IML lids for rigid paper containers at the site south of Leipzig.
Until recently, the site known as Zwenkau II was primarily used to provide additional capacity to assist with peaks in production demand. Since June 2016, the company has continuously operated on a three-shift basis. The workforce has increased from 75 to 100 staff, which was coupled with the €8 million investment. All lines, the packaging company said, are now supplied with resin directly and fully automatically from on-site granule silos.
The company further set up additional office space and a high-bay warehouse.
“The sites Zwenkau I and II were already among the most modern and efficient plants in our industry,” said Sonoco general manager and Sonoco Consumer Products Europe vice-president Séan Cairns. “With the current investments, we will further extend this lead and react to the rapidly increasing demand for modern plastic packaging in the food market.”
Thanks to the IML technology, the production and labelling of containers are combined in one single process step. The label is injected directly into the packaging wall and is preferably made from the same plastic substance as the container. Both components merge during processing – an advantage in terms of recycling, as there is no need to separate the materials, Sonoco said. Most importantly, IML opens up a wide range of design possibilities and outstanding tactile and visual effects; the plastic containers can be designed in various shapes and colours, including transparent windows and photorealistic images.
Sonoco’s patented PermaSafe technology makes these advantages available for sterilised and pasteurised food, which were usually packaged in glass or tin cans. As the “reinvention of the can”, PermaSafe packaging is practically impermeable to oxygen and water vapor.
“Due to the PermaSafe technology, our plastic containers’ durability rivals that of tin cans,” continued Andreas Rothschink, sales director plastic packaging for Sonoco. “At the same time they offer more decoration possibilities and higher convenience for consumers.”
Last week, Sonoco agreed to sell its rigid plastics blow molding operation to Amcor for $280 million.
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