Graphic Packaging invests €20m in facility expansion to meet demand for sustainable packaging
The two-year expansion programme includes a 5,000m2 building extension, creating 50 jobs and the installation of a printing press, which has almost doubled capacity.
Doubled capacity
“Moving from rotogravure presses to a flexographic press was a natural step for us, as it enables us to keep pace with an evolving market and consumer needs. The press has led to faster turnaround times without compromising performance,” said Stefan Nieuwland, project manager, Graphic Packaging Europe.
“The 11-colour press replaces two machines at Sneek, and the result has been a significant increase of both the printing speeds and the annual capacity of the plant."
GPI anticipates the printing press will have a positive effect on the facility’s environmental profile. In addition, the water-based inks align with customers who prefer the ink technology.
Boosted by the investment, the Sneek facility, which produces folding carton packaging for the European beverage market, is also set to add a new folder-gluing line soon, taking the number of lines from five to six.
The European site will support Graphic Packaging’s UK and US customers by producing the majority of KeelClip for food and beverage multipacks.
“The site expansion and press installation were phase one,” added Nieuwland. “The next phase will include the installation of two die-cutting machines later this year, alongside new solar panels to generate renewable energy resources for the site.”
The two-year expansion programme includes a 5,000m2 building extension, creating 50 jobs and the installation of a printing press, which has almost doubled capacity.
KeelClip
“Moving from rotogravure presses to a flexographic press was a natural step for us, as it enables us to keep pace with an evolving market and consumer needs. The press has led to faster turnaround times without compromising performance,” said Stefan Nieuwland, project manager, Graphic Packaging Europe.
“The 11-colour press replaces two machines at Sneek, and the result has been a significant increase of both the printing speeds and the annual capacity of the plant."
GPI anticipates the printing press will have a positive effect on the facility’s environmental profile. In addition, the water-based inks align with customers who prefer the ink technology.
Boosted by the investment, the Sneek facility, which produces folding carton packaging for the European beverage market, is also set to add a folder-gluing line, taking the number of lines from five to six.
The European site will support Graphic Packaging’s UK and US customers by producing the majority of KeelClip for food and beverage multipacks.
“The site expansion and press installation were phase one,” added Nieuwland. “The next phase will include the installation of two die-cutting machines later this year, alongside new solar panels to generate renewable energy resources for the site.”
