API has revealed an uptake in demand for its Transmet film-free laminate solution as brands look to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging.
Transmet is described as having all the benefits of traditional metallised polyester cartonboard laminates, but without the film content. The product is recyclable through normal waste streams.
API claims it allows brands to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on shelf appeal.
Transmet has become API’s largest product line for laminated paper and board across the UK, Europe and Americas, with 2017 being another record breaking year in terms of volumes produced for customers worldwide.
Pioneered at API’s Amsterdam site in the 1980s, investment over the last five years has seen the firm’s Transmet capabilities increase at both its major UK manufacturing sites.
Component production is primarily handled out of API’s Livingston base, with its Stockport site now the major European hub for the finished product.
Richard Burhouse, commercial director at API Group said, “This significant shift in focus in the retail and packaging industry meant 2017 was the busiest year yet for our Transmet film-free laminate.
“Its development has been driven by increasing demand for a high-quality film-free finish that provides brand owners with a fully recyclable end product but still offers shelf appeal to customers.
“We’ve used our industry expertise and technology to create avertically integrated production capability for film-free laminates via our Livingston plant here in Scotland and our site in Stockport, which will service our customers globally.”
The Transmet process involves the lamination of a special PET film, which is then removed for recycling, leaving a deposit of aluminium on the surface of the board.
API produces a wide range of laminate finishes including Holographic Transmet, which enables brands to select the laminate style and effect that adds unique visual impact to their product’s packaging.
In addition to its green credentials, API said other benefits of Transmet include a high level of gloss finish and no risk of delamination.
