It was the advent of plastic packaging materials in the years following World War II that led to the invention of a surface treatment that has become known globally as corona. In his small home workshop in Denmark, Verner Eisby set about solving the problem of getting ink to adhere to non-absorbent plastic film. Today, the company he established is managed by his two sons, Frank and Jan, and supplies cutting-edge surface treatment technology to leading OEMs, converters and extruders around the world.
Speaking ahead of the company’s 70th anniversary celebrations on November 1, CEO Frank Eisby explains: ‘My father could not have known what his invention would grow into; today, corona treatment is a universal process that spans many industries across all continents, and without it, the whole sector of flexible packaging would not exist – that’s an incredible legacy and one that we are very proud of.’
In 1951, Verner discovered that the key to adhesion is all to do with surface tension and the relative values between the liquid being applied and the non-absorbent substrate being used. In modifying the surface tension of the substrate by applying a precisely controlled electronic discharge at close range, the chemical structure can be altered to allow the liquid to bond securely and avoid the risk of smudging.
While the principle behind the process is simple science, the development of the technology required is ongoing as new and complex substrates are introduced into the market and innovative techniques are demanded by brand owners to enhance the appearance of their packaged products. In more recent times, this has led Vetaphone to develop plasma surface treatment, which is a more advanced application of the same scientific principles.
Today, the company is a global enterprise, employing around 80 people is represented in more than 60 countries. ‘Ipex Machinery is proud to be associated with the Vetaphone brand in South Africa. This product underlines our vision as a brand builder of world-leading machinery and systems,’ says MD Bruce Allen.
The pioneering spirit is still intrinsic to Vetaphone’s DNA, which is highlighted by the recent opening of a fully equipped showroom facility for in-person and online demos that complements its Test Lab facility that was launched in 2020.
Company CSO Jan Eisby comments: ‘We will use our unrivalled knowledge and expertise to innovate surface treatment technology that meets the ever-changing needs of a vibrant marketplace. Vetaphone was the first and remains the foremost in this sector, and our future plans are designed to increase the market’s understanding of the science behind the technology.’
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