European packaging manufacturer Coveris makes a major new investment at its polyethylene-extrusion facility in Winsford, Cheshire. As Coveris’ UK centre of excellence for high-performance, technical barrier and stretch films, the Winsford site continues to expand its capabilities in the development of sustainable, recyclable films.
This extensive upgrade includes an additional state-of-the-art, proprietary nine-layer blown-film extrusion line for technical EVOH barrier films, a new cast stretch extrusion line – introducing new technology to Coveris Winsford – and an onsite 5,000-pallet warehouse. Each of these investments enhances the site’s capacity to meet industry demand for packaging materials.
The newly operational nine-layer blown extrusion line positions Coveris as the UK’s largest producer of polyethylene EVOH barrier films. Designed to extend shelf life and maintain freshness of short shelf-life food products, the recyclable EVOH barrier films are suitable for applications including meat, fish, poultry, cheese, and bakery products. The increased capacity supports Coveris’ innovative film developments, including its award-winning MonoFlex and PolyFlex ranges, and plans to grow in thermoforming and vacuum skin-packaging (VSP) segments.
Complementing the site’s existing range of blown stretch and pre-stretch products, Coveris Winsford has introduced a cast extrusion line for stretch films, set to commence production next month. This advanced cast technology supports the manufacturing of stretch films specifically engineered for machinery applications, suited for heavy goods sectors such as bottling, canning, transport, and logistics. As part of Coveris’ sustainability commitment, this line will offer UK Plastic Packaging Tax-compliant films, featuring a minimum of 30% recycled content.
In parallel with these technological advancements, a new 5,000-pallet space warehouse is under construction at the Winsford site, which will almost treble the current storage capacity. Expected to be fully operational by the end of Q1 2025, this expansion will improve logistical efficiency, reduce supply chain complexities, and minimize transportation needs. These changes will not only enhance Coveris Winsford’s operational efficiencies and environmental footprint, but will also boost its service agility, particularly for its packaging solutions for short shelf-life products. Key products benefiting from the onsite storage expansion include MonoFlex Thermoform, a monomaterial recyclable, thermoforming solution, and other technical barrier films such as VSP.
Earlier this year, Coveris Winsford announced plans to expand its portfolio to manufacture vacuum skin-packaging (VSP) films. The site recently opened a dedicated manufacturing hall and installed the latest VSP-conversion equipment, leveraging its expertise in nine-layer EVOH barrier film production for applications in meat, fish, and dairy sectors.