PFFC - May 2008 - (Page 41) EURO CONVERTING Oversupply/High Prices added value that will provide them with With increased resin prices causing a squeeze competitive leverage. on converters, European flex-pack converters Customers will pay more only for are gearing toward more value-added products improved products with better functionality. to offset these costs. Particularly hit are the The emphasis is on developing “intelligent” commodity producers such as bread bags and packaging solutions, including films for toilet tissue overwraps. Smaller companies in Mondi Packaging’s NeoSteam controlled atmosphere, breathable, and Europe are feeling the pressure and some will flexible package uses an adaptable heatable applications. succumb, thus reducing capacity in 2008 while steam valve that makes it possible It’s important to note that while there resin prices stay high. to steam food directly in the appears to be an ever-increasing influx Another factor is the price squeeze imposed microwave without puncturing or of Western European converters into the by many leveraged buyout (LBO) firms opening the package. This is said Eastern/Central European market, there on well-established converters. In an effort to shorten preparation time and are also many national converters that are to show profit, the LBO firms cut prices ensure the product remains moist. quite successful and do supply the multinaexcessively to end-use customers. The problem tional food/pharma firms. Companies that of oversupply has caused both Alcan and Amor to look at more manufacture world-class flexible packaging include Ukrplastic plant closures in the next few years. (Ukraine) [see PFFC’s May 2007 issue], Chemosvit (Slovakia), Many European flex-pack converters are investing in Grupa Kety (Poland), and specialist firms such as Bargan research and development in an effort to offset these high Production Group (Russia). prices. The key issue is package simplicity, and that is why Bargan Production Group is a specialist in self-heating multilayer technology is increasing in importance. If a products and has developed both a self-heating snack cup and multilayer film is available that avoids the need for secondary a superbly designed self-heating fondue package. Comexi, the processes such as coating, metallizing, or laminating, it will Catalan (Spanish) equipment producer located in Girona, save the end-user time and money. currently is building a full-scale school for the converting inThe high price of materials has sharpened the dustry. The company will sponsor courses in flex-pack convertcompetitive nature of the marketplace. The result is that ing at regular intervals. The school is dedicated to Comexi’s companies are increasing investment in R&D to find the founder, Sr. Xifra. Neschen Technical Coatings has the formula for your success, with ultra thin deposition adhesive coating on thin substrates for today’s high-yield narrow-web applications. We also have solutions for your wide-web heavier deposition requirements, with coat weights from 3 to 45 g/m2 and finished widths to 65 inches. From papers to films, our formula is simple: apply the world’s most advanced coating technology and over 40 years of experience to help you achieve better yield for higher profits. We are ready to meet your worldwide cost and delivery targets for primary label constructions, industrial web coating, and custom coating solutions. Contact us today, and ask about our press-ready samples. USA: 866-515-4241 Canada: 410-540-8900 Europe: ++49 5722 207 364 © Neschen Americas DoThe Math. PFFC-ASAP 131 Te c h n i c a l C o a t i n g s www.neschenbrands.com MAY 2008 | 41 WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM
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