At the booth of Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H), a portfolio of technologies and solutions for extrusion, printing and converting of flexible packaging with the focus on recyclability is displayed. 

Among the highlights are the machinery and system provider’s blown film solutions. The VAREX’s MDO-PE Barrier solutions, accompanied by samples from Chinese customer Zhejiang Hengxi, and the VAREX’s blown film 5-layer MDO PE, in collaboration with partner ExxonMobil, are presented along with the OPTIMEX’s blown film 100% PCR Collation Shrink. 

W&H also demonstrates its cast film technologies, represented by the FILMEX’s cast film PP and barrier structures, including MDO technology which improves film properties for mono and barrier films. 

As for valve bottomers of woven-PP sacks, W&H presents rwPP CONVERTEX 170 by Woven; for block bottom, flat and satchel bags, the company showcases SOS bag-making solutions by GARANT Maschinen, a W&H subsidiary that specializes in bag machines, large sack machines, and machines for the printing and finishing sectors. 

High barrier PP pouch made with W&H’s cast film technologies.

W&H is working on alternative materials, such as paper. Solvent-free flexo and gravure printing applications, including barrier applications, are on display alongside concepts for Multiwall Paper Sacks. 

Visitors can also explore other concepts for flat and satchel bags, aiming to replace traditional plastic products with paper alternatives, such as in diaper outer wrapping and e-commerce bags. 

In addition, in the area of packaging technology for free-flowing bulk products, W&H presents Aventus’s Form-Fill-and-Seal (FFS) machines, together with palletizers and stretch hooding technology. Aventus is W&H’s joint company which specializes in solutions for the packing of free-flowing loose goods up to finished pallets.

Talking about the advantages offered by W&H’s innovations, Michael Fischer, CEO Asia-Pacific, Windmöller & Hölscher, says, “The consumer packaging industry is set to benefit from our innovative solutions such as recyclable barrier functions for food and beverage applications, as well as barrier coated paper with water based inks.”

“In the industrial packaging sector, sealed cross-bottom valve sack solutions made from materials such as paper, PE or wPP are particularly relevant for segments such as cement, mortar and specialty chemicals,” he adds. The company’s new developments also bring positive effects on solutions for any free-flowing bulk products such as resins.

Michael Fischer, CEO Asia-Pacific, Windmöller & Hölscher. 

Global growth led by high demand and green trends

With continuous solid demand for packaging solutions for consumer and industrial applications, the year of 2024 is expected to be driven by trends towards further sustainability, both in developed markets such as Europe and the USA and in China and the Asia-Pacific region, according to Fischer.

He stresses that as a leading global technology partner in machinery and systems for the manufacturing and converting of flexible packaging, W&H is at the forefront of developing sustainable flexible packaging solutions through innovative approaches in extrusion, printing and converting.

“W&H strives to ‘get in the loop’ which emphasizes its commitment to the circular economy and resource conservation,” Fischer explains. 

In addition to promoting recyclability and environmentally friendly materials, W&H will be presenting Ruby, an IoT platform to drive smart production and efficient processes.

 “Since its founding in 1869, which is 155 years ago, W&H has prioritized careful planning for the next generation in the areas of customer relations and technological advancement,” he adds. As a family-owned company, W&H has always pursued a long-term strategy.

Booth:  2.1H61