Reaching for the stars

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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.’ 6 ASTRAPAK NEWS
Packaging that’s as smart as a fox It’s been a good year for Penpak on the innovation front and the new Fox Bag is leading the pack. Bag manufacturing supervisor Willem Frazer (right) oversees machine operator Gerry Richards as she produces the revolutionary Fox Bag, a new product developed by Penpak. Packaging offers a variety of functions to a product that adds utility, protection and presentability being two of the most obvious. But it’s the shelf-life extension of fresh produce offered by Penpak’s innovative Fox Bag – a first in South Africa – that’s getting leading retailers talking. ‘Shelf-life extension is usually associated with produce that has been processed to some degree,’ says Penpak sales manager Paul Dewrance. ‘Knilam has carved a successful place in the market with a wide range of modified atmosphere packaging products but the Fox Bag is the first to offer the same properties with larger items like onions and potatoes. ‘In addition to the extended shelf life – which means less wastage because produce lasts longer – packers aren’t having to sacrifice the marketability of their goods. The netting provides breathability while the solid plastic film portion leaves plenty of space for branding in high-quality colour, something not easily done with hessian or multi-layered paper alternatives.’ The Fox Bag, made up of a solid plastic film and mesh insert, offers a number of advantages over the traditional forms of packaging used for bulky produce like butternut, squash, oranges and lemons, including: • Breathability: the mesh ensures free air flow, reducing sweating, which in turn reduces the likelihood of mould or other deterioration. • Smell and flavour: shoppers are better able to appreciate the smell of the produce and the better storage conditions preserve flavour. • Import replacement and export: Penpak’s Fox Bag meets the same exacting standards of similar products made in the USA and is already earmarked for export to other African countries. • Price competitiveness: the Fox Bag is more cost effective than many of the products it can replace, such as multi-layered paper bags and hessian sacks. • Recyclability: all materials used in the manufacture of the Fox Bag are 100% recyclable. ASTRAPAK NEWS 7
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