Protective packaging materials provider Pregis has invested more than $10m in its Sharp Packaging flexible packaging operation in Sussex, Wisconsin in the US.
Image: Pregis Sharp Packaging’s facility in Wisconsin. Photo: courtesy of Pregis LLC.
The firm acquired Sharp Packaging Systems in May 2017 to expand its business into flexible packaging bagging systems and materials.
Pregis has made the latest investments to upgrade its manufacturing capacity at the facility with the purchase of blown film line and to enhance printing capabilities.
At the vertically-integrated facility, Pregis has purchased and commissioned a new Hosokawa Alpine five-layer, coextruded blown film line designed to produce polyethylene-based film for use in flexible packaging, including poly bags.
Pregis said in a statement: “The material is first extruded and then printed before being converted into pre-opened flexible bags. Lastly, the rolls are installed on Sharp bagging systems located at customer pack stations.”
Additionally, blown film line, when integrated with thermal printing capability, allows customer addresses to be printed in the packaging operation while eliminating the need for additional labels.
The Sharp systems are used as an alternative to corrugated shippers to ship soft goods, including clothing.
The investment was also made in two, 8-color flexographic printing presses designed to offer a broad range of printing capabilities wider color range, with higher quality graphics.
This capability allows brand owners to extend brand messaging and enhancing the customer experience when the package arrives at its destination, the firm noted.
Pregis Sharp Packaging Systems president Mike Menz said: “With an increased demand for Sharp bagging systems —particularly for e-commerce applications—this investment puts us in an ideal position to supply marketplace needs.
“Our new five-layer blown film line gives us the ability to push the envelope on engineered film solutions which address specific packaging objectives. This, coupled with our field-proven equipment options, provides the marketplace with efficient, cost-effective bagging solutions.”
The Sharp Packaging’s flexible bags and bagging systems can be used in different applications, including -commerce, medical/pharmaceutical, retail displays, injection molding, food, linen services and OEM parts.
Its product line includes MAX and SX bagging systems and custom-made E-Z Bags.