Viscose Closures makes major flexo investment

Viscose Closures has invested in a Mark Andy Evolution Series E5 flexo press in a significant expansion of its shrink sleeve production.

The Evolution will be installed at the end of September as it makes its way from the US and marks a major investment for the Swansea-based business.

Designed for minimal waste and quicker setup times, the high-speed flexo press supports full-colour, high-resolution graphics. It represents a strategic step by the Welsh company to enhance print quality, production efficiency and its capacity to meet growing demand.

Emma Blackmore, managing director at Viscose, said: “This investment marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to quality and growth.

“The new flexo printer allows us to deliver even higher-quality printed heat-shrink sleeves with greater speed and precision - something our customers increasingly rely on as product security and shelf appeal remains a top priority.”

Print speeds will increase from 70-75m/min to 170m/min with the new press, significantly elevating the packaging company’s output, as well as offering print on PLA which it wasn't able to do before.

Another benefit of the new machine is waste reduction, with waste set to be dramatically cut from up to 400m to just 50m on a typical six-colour job.

“These enhancements enable Viscose to offer faster turnaround times and reduced minimum order quantities, reinforcing the company’s position as a reliable and agile packaging supplier,” the company said in a statement.

“As businesses continue to prioritise product security and sustainability, Viscose remains focused on delivering innovative, cost-effective tamper-evident packaging solutions.”

Other printers were considered, including from Bobst, HP and Dantex, but the Mark Andy model fit best with the factory’s needs.

The press will be used for all printed heat-shrink sleeve orders and will replace old gravure printing technology which has now been decommissioned; this means the company will move from solvent-based inks to water-based inks. Viscose estimate it will make a £16,000 saving on utilities due to the upgrade in technology.

Flexo printing is also cleaner, more efficient, and easier to maintain, compared to gravure which relies on large volumes of solvents and energy-intensive processes, the company said.

Viscose Closures believes the machine's installation will therefore strengthen its position as a competitive, sustainable packaging partner for industries including food, drinks and pharmaceuticals.

It follows a series of recent upgrades to Viscose’s production line, including a new welder and slitter. The company said its latest investment marks the completion of a major phase of operational improvements aimed at enhancing speed, efficiency and competitiveness.

Founded in 1892, Viscose Closures is a specialist in tamper-evident packaging and exports to more than 30 countries. The company has 43 members of staff and a turnover of £7m. It manufactures shrink sleeves in its Swansea factory and is also a distributor of caps and closures.

Customers for the heat-shrink side of the business include small and large food and drinks producers, packaging resellers and beauty and cosmetic high-volume producers.

This article was originally published by Printweek.