Terphane starts up new BOBST EXPERT K5 vacuum metallizer at Brazilian plant

With the purpose of expanding its production capacity to meet the demand for high-barrier metallized films, Terphane (www.terphane.com), a leader in PET films (polyester) in Latin America, invested in another "state of the art," BOBST vacuum metallizer. The EXPERT K5 equipment, which incorporates the latest technology in the Americas, is operating in Terphane’s factory in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Brazil.

According to Mauro Castro, Production Manager responsible for Strategic Projects at Terphane, this is the second piece of similar equipment installed by Terphane in the Americas. “The technology guarantees better quality in deposition and reduces possible problems during the metallization process. Film inspection is done in-line, and the equipment can detect small failures in metallization that could not be seen by the human eye.”

Research conducted by Markets and Markets™ estimates that the global market for metallized flexible packaging could reach $5.8 billion by 2025, up from $4.5 billion in 2020. One of the main drivers is the migration of products traditionally presented in rigid packaging such as a metal can, paperboard and glass to flexible packaging, which increases the demand for special films with high humidity, water and light barrier. Among the main markets are fresh produce, prepared meals, coffee, condiments, snacks and candies, pet food and dairy.

These high-barrier, polyester metallized films can replace aluminum foil in multiple applications and guarantee a better cost benefit ratio, thanks to the reduced thickness and better processing in packaging converting and filling lines at brand-owners’ plants.