Innovia Films has launched a new production line for specialty films at its Schkopau facility near Leipzig, Germany.
The new line, which is 8.8m wide, has an annual production capacity of 35,000 tons and can produce films ranging from 15 to 50 microns. The site is positioned near major customers in central Europe, making it a “key hub” for Innovia’s growth, it said.
The production line incorporates the Linear Motor Simultaneous Stretching Machine (LISIM), a technology developed by Brückner Maschinenbau. According to Innovia Films’ president, Günther Birkner, LISIM offers several benefits, including balanced orientation of films for consistent properties in both machine and transverse directions – particularly crucial for applications in labels and packaging. The technology also enhances the optical properties of the films and supports energy efficiency, which Innovia said aligns with its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
The investment is part of Innovia Films’ broader “Better Future” strategy, which emphasises the development of sustainable materials for the label industry. By producing thinner films, Innovia can increase material efficiency while supporting the carbon reduction goals of major brands seeking eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Giuseppe Ronzoni, general manager of Innovia Films in Schkopau, highlighted the faster and more flexible production capabilities of LISIM, which result in superior film quality and lower energy consumption compared to traditional extrusion methods.
The new line will produce a range of products, including pressure-sensitive films for labels and flexible packaging for mono-material constructions. Lucija Kralj, business unit director for labels at Innovia, noted that these innovations will help reduce packaging waste, aligning with the objectives of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation legislation (PPWR).
