SRF Limited have invested in an EXPERT K5 2900mm which will be installed in their factory in Thailand at the end of this year. This follows the purchase of their machines in 2005 and 2022, the decision to purchase another machine from BOBST is largely due to the good relationship between SRF and the local BOBST team in India and the strong service support which BOBST has provided.

SRF also decided on a third BOBST due to their experience of the unique AluBond® process which was installed on their first EXPERT K5 metallizer and is used for the production of high adhesion, high barrier BOPP films. AluBond® developed by BOBST is well-known in the industry for its ability to achieve high metal adhesion on any substrate, as well as providing enhancement of oxygen and water vapour properties on polyolefin films.

The new machine will also feature the BOBST unique AlOx GEN II process, this is new to SRF and will allow them to also produce clear BOPP films with high oxygen and water vapour properties. The original BOBST AlOx process was launched into the market over 15 years ago and is very well-established for the production of high barrier, clear PET films. With the move towards sustainability in the flexible packaging industry in recent years, AlOX GEN II was developed with a primary focus on the BOPP film market. It provides better barrier performance at a reduced optical density and transparency straight off the machine.

Commenting on the investment, Mr Prashant Mehra, President & CEO and Mr Hari K Singh, Executive Vice President & Head of Global Operations said “We have been very happy with our BOBST metallizers and have received good support when needed from the India & Manchester teams. The new machine will allow us to increase production of high barrier opaque BOPP with AluBond® as well as produce high barrier clear films with the AlOx GEN II process. We look forward to the new machine being installed and to continuing our relationship with BOBST”.

SRF Limited established in 1970, has grown into a leading, diversified chemicals conglomerate with over 9,000 employees, 16 plants across 4 countries and exporting to over 100 countries worldwide. The Packaging Films business has operations in 4 countries providing flexible packaging solutions for a wide range of applications from food to non-food in both the fast-moving consumer goods and industrial categories.