Packaging manufacturer Coveris has installed two new extrusion lines at its facility in Cheshire, Winsford, UK.

The new investment in two additional 5-layer co-extrusion lines is part of the firm’s plan to support its sustainable growth strategy, Pack Positive.

Pack Positive is aimed at providing smarter plastics to reduce waste and improve recyclability.

The new machines are capable of manufacturing more than 40,000 tons of PE film annually and also create an additional capacity of 5,000 tons of recycle-ready mono-polymer films for the food and manufacturing sector.

Coveris said that the new co-extrusion lines will not only support its continued growth in the technical films sector but also marks a positive step in supporting its advancement into more sustainable and functional film alternatives.

Coveris UK president Gary Rehwinkel said: “Given the current focus on plastics packaging and the need to offer more recyclable solutions, our new investment strategically positions Coveris to further support this transition into more sustainable plastics.

“As the UK market’s leading manufacturer of recycle-ready films, no other co-extrusion plant in the country has the flexibility and capacity Coveris has.”

Coveris noted that the investment, along with continued innovation of EVOH-based, shelf-life enhancing products, strengthens its positions in the film industry.

In 2017, Coveris worked with Co-op to develop an new multi-layer polyester (PET) barrier solution intended to allow lidding film to be directly heat-sealed to a mono plastic tray.

Coveris said in a statement: “Aligning the additional capacity with Coveris’ wider flexible films offer, the investment will also create downstream opportunities for its print, lamination and conversion businesses.”

Recently, Coveris signed a deal to sell its Americas packaging business to Transcontinental (TC Transcontinental) for $1.320bn.

The acquisition is part of TC Transcontinental’s plan to significantly diversify its business into flexible packaging.