German speciality films producer Klöckner Pentaplast (kp, Montabaur; www.kpfilms.com) is breaking ground on an expansion at its barrier film facility in Gordonsville, Virginia / USA. The expansion will increase capacity by 6,000 t/y and add innovative coating capabilities. The company selected the location last year to establish the new laminating and coating facility for high-barrier films (see Plasteurope.com of 24.01.2019).

The increased coating capabilities at the new plant, expected to be operational towards the end of 2021, better positions it to support the North American market with pharmaceutical barrier packaging films. Moisture and oxygen barrier are a hallmark of Klöckner’s coating technology, says Tracey Peacock, president of the company’s Pharmaceutical, Health & Specialties division. The multi-million US dollar investment there complements the German films producer’s capacity expansions in Brazil and Switzerland. The company also offers collaborative packaging design and testing at its “kp i.center” for packaging technology in Charlottesville, Virginia.