How does W&H catch the wave of circular flexible packaging?
Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H) sees the flexible packaging industry transforming like never before as there have been new challenges driven by the circular economy, new possibilities coming out of digitization, and constant pressure brought by the needs of more efficient production.
In this context, how can we produce new sustainable products efficiently? How can digitization streamline processes, support the operator and increase quality? What will sustainable packaging look like in the future?
W&H continues to work to develop sustainable flexible packaging solutions and supporting its customers in achieving these targets with W&H technology and services.
Also, in the post-pandemic era, the company anticipates that greater mobility and possibly less disruption in the supply chain will have positive impacts on interactions with its customers in China.
Michael Fischer, CEO Asia-Pacific, W&H.
Michael Fischer, CEO Asia-Pacific, W&H, said, “The market share of W&H in flexible packaging is developing positively, and the demand for its complete solutions across extrusion, printing and converting is increasing.”
W&H believes that it is well positioned in both consumer and industrial packaging markets. This is reflected by its exhibits at CHINAPLAS 2023.
The company presents new machine technologies and packaging solutions for sustainable flexible packaging production. It particularly highlights new packaging solutions that are ready for circular economy.
In specific, there are exhibit examples made for recycling. As Klaus Meyer, Sales Director Greater China, W&H, introduced, two variants of recyclable barrier blown films are being shown: a pet food bag made with a co-extruded EVOH barrier layer and another made with a functional barrier coating during the printing process.
W&H exhibits its recyclable pet food bag.
Another example is a recyclable coffee stand-up pouch, with high barrier design taking into account recyclability and packaging performance. A high barrier cast PP pouch is also on display, featuring PP-based lamination film with barrier characteristics and compatible with mechanical recycling.
Some of the other solutions being showcased are made with high portion of recycled materials. They include a light and strong block bottom woven bag, the AD PROTEX LSs, which features a 24% rPP share. "Also, our AD ProFilm MP, an industrial PE valve sack with a new film, uses less resources through more use of recycling material (30% PIR)," said Meyer.
Moreover, W&H is levering on digital solutions to provide software tools, such as RUBY for Packaging 4.0 or Visual Assistance, for enhancing productivity. The company explains how they work at its booth.
As for the development plan of W&H in the coming few years, Fischer shared that the family-owned company keeps advancing its technological innovations and market strategies.
The company will continuously invest in growing its market presence and after-sales presence. "For instance, in W&H's Hub Asia Pacific, out of 180 employees, more than 50% of the team are in the service division to support customers in each country," he said.
He concluded that the company's “Get in the Loop” program symbolizes that circular economy, efficient production and digitization influence each other and contribute together to overall sustainability.
Booth: 10H05
