Kuhne Anlagenbau to Showcase Extruding Solutions at NPE 2024
Kuhne Anlagenbau GmbH’s focus at NPE 2024, in Orlando, Florida, will be on large turnkey lines for extruding flexible simultaneously biaxially oriented barrier shrink films that do not require polyamide (PA) or polyester (PET) as a layer to impart strength to the structure. Consequently, they can be easily recycled together with (at most 5%) EVOH in the PE recycling stream. The required robustness and puncture resistance are achieved inline during processing in the Triple-Bubble® process using gentle radiation crosslinking employed by Kuhne. This acts from the outside to a shallow depth of only 5 to 10 µm, without damaging the EVOH layer and reducing recyclability. As a result, there is no need for an additional post-processing step, which would increase costs. The resultant films are sufficiently flexible and elastic to achieve good levels of shrinkage. At the same time, however, they also provide the mechanical strength required to be able to reliably fill the bags, even with contents weighing several kilograms.
Kuhne supplies the entire technology used for this as turnkey lines for worldwide use. Tailored to particular product requirements, this one-stop package also includes the specification of the material formulations and gauges required for the seven to thirteen PE, adhesion promoter and EVOH layers, as well as all processing parameters. As a result, these systems can usually be commissioned very shortly after installation by Kuhne, and continuous production at the highest quality level is possible right from the outset. For manufacturers and distributors, the recyclable films mean lower extended producer responsibility (EPR) levies and assist compliance with the Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging (CEFLEX) sustainability guidelines drawn up by the flexible packaging value chain. Kuhne’s lines stand out from the competition because capital costs are significantly lower when output is considered in relation to machinery costs under manufacturing conditions.