Peninsula Packaging invests to raise the bar

‘We’re in the process of reorganising our production capabilities to ensure that each operation is a centre of excellence, offering the very best in quality,’ said regional chief executive Keith Watkins at an open day attended by 70 customers.

‘The new equipment is industry-leading kit and will provide opportunities and capabilities that we simply didn’t have in the past,’ he added.

The Reifenhäuser-Kiefel extruder is capable of producing 500kg/hour of multilayered film and, coupled with its radioactive isotope gauge monitoring system, ensures that manufacturing specifications are maintained within 2% of tolerances.

Another addition to Peninsula Packaging’s production line is the Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H) Miraflex eight-colour press. With its high run speed and advanced registration technology, the new press is capable of producing the highest quality printed film, with product changeovers taking under 20 minutes.

‘This equipment is part of our national programme to strengthen and position our operations as industry leaders in their chosen segments,’ Keith continued. ‘The new multilayer extruder produces several product lines, including specialised film for the milk sachet market, and it is now one of four in the Astrapak group. This industry is capital intensive and demands regular investment to stay abreast of technological advances. Astrapak is committed to staying a leader, a strategy that’s underscored by the group’s investment of around R180-million in new equipment in this financial year.’

Peninsula Packaging has introduced two innovations this year. The first, a resealable bag with shelf-life extension properties designed specifically for lettuce, has been an instant success, replacing the traditional punnet and shrinkwrap format. The second, known as the Fox Bag, is designed for citrus, potatoes and onions where breathability is an important factor. The combination of a film front and mesh rear offers shelf-life extension properties without missing out on attractive branding opportunities.

Peninsula Packaging was established in 1979 and became part of the Astrapak group in 1997. Today, it’s one of the Western Cape’s largest producers of film for the fresh produce, bakery and industrial sectors – for local and export markets. The plant is ISO 9001:2008 accredited and is one of the cleanest plants in the local industry.

‘Our industry is constantly evolving, requiring advancements in the materials used to create packaging as well as the physical form they take. Astrapak is committed to setting the pace on both fronts and our customers will reap the rewards of this approach,’ says Keith.