Biopax, a sustainable carton packaging, paper wraps and self-adhesive labels solutions company based in Belfast, Northern Ireland has made an investment in HEIDELBERG equipment to support its ongoing efforts to optimise its sustainable options for customers. Investments in R&D and innovation set Biopax apart from its competitors, as it strives for sustainable change and plastic replacement solutions in the food and non-food packaging sector. The company also has plans to add plastic-free paper cups, tubs and salad bowls to its product portfolio across 2023/24.
Biopax currently provides ‘green’ packaging solutions to the food, beverage and non-food sector in the UK and Ireland, and has started to export into European markets. Its strategic growth plans include setting up production capabilities for sustainable packaging in Europe, India and China.
High Performer
After detailed research, it opted for the Heidelberg’s XL106 models because of its wide-ranging operational capabilities. A spokesperson for Biopax said as well as the performance and overall productivity of the XL106, another significant consideration for choosing the product is its carbon-neutral certification which aligns Biopax’s company ethos to deliver high-quality packaging that is produced with the environment in mind.
“In addition to the green benefits, we also realised that the HEIDELBERG XL106 with Inpress Control would deliver and exceed our customers’ expectations in regards to their company branding and colour management strategies,” says Dr Terry Cross OBE, Chairman, Biopax Ltd. “We consulted with several expert printers before we chose Heidelberg as our printing press supplier. These experts have spent many years working with various large-format Heidelberg presses in the folding carton industry. We leaned on their experience and expertise when making our investment decision. To date, we have invested £20m in the latest Heidelberg technology within our 70,000 sq ft factory.”
Cross continues, “We are committed to creating over 170 jobs at our Belfast facility and have commenced initial groundwork on a site expansion plan which will see us almost double the size of our production and storage facility. This expansion will allow us to invest further into volume flexographic printing and dedicated rotary converting for some of the world’s leading brands.”
Fast Makereadies
One of the major benefits of the XL106 is that it delivers extremely fast makereadies that are colour accurate to Fogra 39 or the latest Fogra 51 standards. That includes brand colours printed within a tolerance of dE2.5, and consistent colour on all print runs with the assistance of Heidelberg’s Inpress Control to ensure stable and accurate colour and faster turnaround times on FMCG cartons. This is due to the improved technology that assists in makeready and production.
“We are delighted with the results and are awaiting delivery of a second XL106 press with the same specifications,” says Cross. “This will offer us and our customers a high-quality product that exceeds their expectations. Our world-class design software systems are fully integrated into our Heidelberg production equipment. This helps us to optimise our machine outputs while reducing down-time and waste. This means we can get our products out to our customers faster and deliver benchmark print and finishing quality. Our customers are continually delighted at the enhanced service, flexibility and quality of the carton products they are receiving from Biopax. We will also work with the Heidelberg Print Academy to deliver world class training to support our apprentice training programme.”
Converting As Well
Alongside the XL106, Biopax has also invested in the Heidelberg MasterMatrix die-cutters.
Declan Martin, Account Manager, Heidelberg, said, “We’re so proud that an innovative packaging company such as Biopax chose Heidelberg equipment. Our cutting-edge printing technology solutions address their rising customer needs. The trust that Biopax has invested in us shows that the Heidelberg brand remains a top name among suppliers for companies who strive for quality and long-term success.”
