AR Metallizing purchases the world’s first dedicated barrier paper machine
We are delighted to announce that we have purchased an EXPERT K5 2450mm (‘EXPERT K5’) from BOBST for the production of barrier paper. The EXPERT K5 will be installed in our Franklin plant in the USA later this year.
The EXPERT K5 is a state of the art metallizer (the next generation of BOBST’s K5000). It is the world’s first dedicated machine for production of sustainable barrier paper.
EXPERT K5 designed around paper processing
The EXPERT K5 purchased by AR Metallizing is a multi-function machine with special features designed around paper processing. With an ability to run at high speed with a high rate source, the machine incorporates a speed pressure control which maximises output efficiency on paper whilst maintaining product quality; this feature which is unique to BOBST was developed in conjunction with AR Metallizing.
AR Metallizing’s new EXPERT K5 has been prepared to run two BOBST processes. The processes are already well-established in the film market but have also been shown to improve the properties of paper. BOBST’s AluBond® process gives an improved barrier performance against water and oxygen giving better protection to the contents of the packaging. The process can be applied to metallized papers to improve performance. BOBST’s AlOx process applies a transparent inorganic barrier layer to the paper substrate which facilitates the recycling process.
Our focus on functionality and barrier performance
‘The purchase supports AR Metallizing’s aim to continually develop our metalized papers in order to offer more functionality and better barrier performance to our customers,’ says Bart Devos, CEO, AR Metallizing. ‘We are proud of the sustainable properties of our paper-based portfolio. Looking forward, the purchase of the EXPERT K5 will further support the recyclability of our metallized papers,’ adds Bart.
Our partnership with BOBST
AR Metallizing has worked extensively with BOBST over several years to develop barrier paper solutions. The EXPERT K5 has a variety of features which make it perfect for processing paper. The machine will enable us to produce paper with a higher barrier to meet our customers’ continually developing requirements.
Research and Development focus
‘Our R&D team is made up of 11 experts. The team concentrate on paper barriers in terms of metallization, wet coating and paper optimization. This focus underlines our ongoing commitment to developing our portfolio. We are continually looking to improve the functionality and technical sophistication of our metallized products,’ adds Bart.