Reaching for the stars

Penpak raises the
manufacturing bar
Peninsula Packaging is entrenching its position as one of
the premier manufacturers of blown and printed film in the
Western Cape with the recent commissioning of state-of-the-art
equipment valued in excess of R30 million.
Peninsula Packaging (Penpak)
is in the process of reorganising
its production capabilities to
ensure that each operation is a centre
of excellence, offering the very best in
quality in both production and print.
That was the message from 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 did not have
access to in the past,’ Keith said.
The new Reifenhäuser-Keifel extruder
– one of four in the Group – is capable
of producing 500kg per hour of multilayered
film and, coupled with its
radioactive isotope gauge monitoring
system, can ensure that manufacturing
specifications are maintained within 2%
of tolerances.
Another addition to Penpak’s
production line is the W&H Miraflex
eight-colour printer. With a high runspeed
and advanced registration
technology, the new printer is capable
of producing the highest-quality printed
film, with product changeovers taking
less than 20 minutes.
‘This equipment is part of our national
programme to strengthen and position
our operations as the industry leaders
in their chosen segments,’ Keith said.
‘The new multi-layer extruder will
produce several product lines, including
specialised film for the milk-sachet
market. This industry is capital intensive
and demands regular investment to stay
abreast of technological advances.
Astrapak is committed to remaining a
leader, a strategy underscored by the
Group’s investment of around R180
Inspecting a sample from the W&H Miraflex eight-colour printer recently installed at
Peninsula Packaging (from left): machine operator Shawn Williams, Robin Fortune,
operations manager Mike Thompson and print manager Patrick Meyer.
million in new equipment this financial
year.’
Penpak has also 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, the
Fox Bag (see opposite), 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 detracting from attractive
branding opportunities.
Penpak was established in 1979 and
became part of the Astrapak Group
in 1997. It’s now one of the largest
producers of film for the fresh produce,
bakery and industrial sectors to both the
local and export markets in the Western
Cape, is ISO 9001:2008 accredited and
has 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,’ Keith said.
‘Astrapak is committed to setting the
pace on both fronts, and our customers
will reap the rewards of this approach.’
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ASTRAPAK NEWS