Klöckner Pentaplast, a supplier of films for pharmaceutical, medical devices, food, electronics, and general packaging, has expanded its converting capabilities for pharmaceutical business in China.

Suzhou, China

Image: kp Pharma’s Suzhou facility in China. Photo: courtesy of Klöckner Pentaplast.

As part of the expansion plan, the firm’s Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Films Division (kp Pharma) has installed an advanced slitting line at its Suzhou facility in China.

Klöckner said that the expansion plan is aimed to reduce lead times and increases flexibility for all material grades supplied through local storage and supply into the Chinese market.

The company said that the new qualified slitting center complies with the rigorous requirements of ISO 15378.

Additionally, the site comprises a fully operational micro-biological lab (environment class C 10,000) which enables quality control covering all requirements of the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) regulation.

Kp Pharma pharmaceutical & medical device films president Tracey Peacock said: “We are seeing substantial growth in all product segments in Asia.

“New CFDA regulations in China are increasing the focus on the quality and performance of the packaging materials used, as well as increased demand for barrier performance to protect the sensitivity of new drugs.

“We are excited to make this first and significant step into China to support these trends in our market place.”

Earlier this year, kp Pharma has announced its plan to invest €5m and expand capacity at its Swiss facility by 30% to address ever-changing market needs in EMEA and support expansion into Asia.

The Klöckner Pentaplast is engaged in providing rigid and flexible packaging, printing and specialty solutions for the pharmaceutical, medical device, food, beverage and card markets, amongst others.

With operations 32 production sites in 18 countries and employing over 6,300 people, the firm also provides a broad portfolio of packaging, films and services.