Ti expandsits IML market

 
On that occasion, guests were addressed by Ti’s group CEO, Detlef Schuhmann, who underlined his company’s ongoing commitment to the flexible packaging industry, and the way in which it’s positioned to be a long-term partner for South African customers (PPM, Aug 09, p32).

In line with its claim, the company now has an additional focus in South Africa – the growing use of its speciality BOPP films for labelling applications, and specifically for in-mould labelling (IML).
Traditionally, these films have been produced at Ti’s plants in Italy and Hungary (previously Radici Films, prior to acquisition by Ti in 2008), and in Australia (the Shorko operation, acquired by Ti in 2010); and South African customers – notably Universal Labels & Packaging – have drawn supplies from the Hungarian operation. However, after witnessing the phenomenal growth in the labelling and decoration segment in South Africa during last five years, as well as anticipated growth in the Middle East, the relevant technology has now been transferred to the Dubai site, considerably enhancing logistics for South African converters and making it easier for them to ‘mix and match’ their BOPP film requirements for all packaging segments.

All this is explained by Muhammad Ali Mirza, Ti’s head of export sales and marketing, based at the Dubai facility, who was among the Ti delegation attending the DecTec Africa 2010 conference in Cape Town (see conference report on page 33).
‘In addition to improved logistics, our capability to produce IML films in all production bases (Europe, Australia, MENA), gives us the manufacturing flexibility to be able to offer our customers a consistent supply, in other words “peace of mind”,’ Ali explains. ‘The availability of IML films from our Dubai plant also completes Ti MENA’s product basket of labelling solutions – the same as Europe and Australia. This includes clear, white voided, solid white and white metallised films for self-adhesive face stock and wraparound labels (both reel-fed and cut & stack). Thus, we really can claim to be a one-stop label shop,’ he adds.

Continued growth of IML

Ti’s BOPP labelling films are ideal for markets such as beverages, food products, chemicals and detergents; and for IML these films have a particularly bright future, as the use of this decorating technology continues to grow, driven by several marketing advantages.
With IML, high-resolution graphic labels form an integral part of the container, preventing labels looking worn during the life of the pack, and making the technique invaluable in harsh environments. In addition, the labelling operation is removed from the filling process, simplifying logistics and reducing downtime. The ability to label five sides of pots and tubs in one application is a further advantage.

Ti’s IML line is a white voided film, specifically designed for injection-moulded in-mould labelling. With both sides treated for ease of printing and excellent adhesion to the plastic container during the moulding process, it can be used for gravure, flexo or offset printing processes.
This film offers high yield and excellent anti-static properties, as well as ease of die-cutting owing to high stiffness.

Towards more sustainable packaging

In April 2010, Ti announced also its entry into the bioplastic market by investing in BoPLA film production. This marks a significant step forward, confirming Ti’s commitment towards the development of environmentally-friendly packaging.
Bioplastics are derived from renewable biomass resources, such as corn starch, rather than fossil-fuel. Some, but not all, bioplastics are designed to biodegrade.
‘Our new range of sustainable packaging films are branded as Nativia, which means found in nature in the elemental form. It comes from nature and goes back to nature – it’s like closing  a cycle,’ Ali explains.
Nativia films are currently available in clear and metallised versions.

Ti’s barrier film range is another step towards sustainable packaging. Offering clear, white voided and metallised barrier films, Ti’s message to converters is to simplify the structure of packaging to reduce environmental impact.
In yet another development, Ti has responded to the global shortage of metallised PET with its DZNV grade film, a new-generation high-barrier metallised film with excellent barrier to oxygen and water vapoor, suitable for both extrusion and adhesive lamination and ideal for metallised PET replacement.

Ti wins AIMCAL award

AS reported earlier this year (PPM, Apr 10, p42), the US-based Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters & Laminators (AIMCAL) bestowed its 2010 Marketing Award in the Food Packaging Category on Taghleef Industries, Italy, for a
stand-up pouch for Werther’s Originals, from August Storck in Germany.

A matte lacquer applied to some areas of the film provides an eye-catching contrast with the glossy areas. Taghleef supplies the 48µm TSS BOPP and 20µm ZSF metallised film that’s laminated to create the pouch, converted by Constantia Hueck Folien in Germany. In addition, the PP/metallised film lamination represents source reduction compared to aluminium foil lamination.

About Taghleef Industries

HEADQUARTERED in Dubai, Taghleef Industries (Ti) has six production sites across the globe with a nominal capacity of 260 000 tons/year. Ti develops, manufactures and markets BOPP (biaxially-oriented polypropylene) and CPP (cast polypropylene) films for snack foods, confectionery, bakery/biscuits and fresh produce packaging, as well as for labelling and adhesive tapes. Ti offers a portfolio of high-quality transparent, white voided and metallised films to customers in more than 100 countries.    

Ti was formed in 2006 by the merger of three BOPP producers – Dubai Poly Film in Dubai, Al Khaleej in Oman, and Technopack in Egypt. Later that year, Ti built offices and a distribution centre in Europe, in order to provide first-class supply in this important market. Other strategic moves were Ti’s acquisition of Italian-based Radici Films with BOPP plants in Italy and Hungary and its acquisition of the Shorko business in Australia.

Other significant investments during last years include the commissioning of a new 8,7m BOPP line in Oman, the first line in the Middle East to achieve a running speed in excess of 500m/min together with a 2,85m metalliser, the conversion of one of the European lines from three to five layers and the installation of a new metalliser at the Australian plant.

These multi-million dollar investments affirm Ti’s long-term commitment to the future of the BOPP industry, including the highly-competitive South African market.
Despite rivalry within South Africa, Ti has proven to be a consistent supplier. ‘Since 2003, our South African sales have grown continuously and steadily,’ Ali says. ‘We now supply significant volumes of variety of BOPP films into the South African flexible packaging sector each year, which puts us in second place as a supplier.’

Asked how such a significant market share has been attained, he replies: ‘We offer high-quality and consistency. This is achieved because of Ti’s continuous investment in new technology which means we have “young” production equipment. It’s difficult to maintain such consistency and gauge control on aging lines.’

All Ti’s plants are ISO certified and films are manufactured to the highest hygiene and safety standards – meeting HACCP, AiB and BRC regulations.