Finnish packaging specialist Wipak Group (Nastola; www.wipak.com) has announced an investment of more than GPB 5m (EUR 5.5m) in new converting equipment to make flexible packaging at its UK site in Welshpool. The products will use “significantly less plastic”, have a lower carbon footprint and offer easier recyclability, the company explained.

The new machines are expected to be operating by summer 2021, said AndrewNewbold, managing director. “The sustainability pressures that we face are possibly the most complex that I have experienced in my 24 years in the flexible packaging industry. These are challenges that we must overcome through true innovation.”

The investment is aligned with Wipak UK’s growth plans for the coming years, with the new conversion equipment set to create more than 50 local jobs in the coming years, the company noted. Newbold said, “At a time when some packaging companies are consolidating their UK operations, Wipak UK is continuing to expand. This investment – which is the largest investment in Wipak UK’s history – gives a very clear message of the Wipak Group’s commitment to the UK packaging market, belief in UK manufacturing capabilities and recognition of the hard work of our employees at our site in Welshpool.”