In the UK a new development in micro-flute boarding looks set to have a major impact on the global packing industry, according to a report by dotpackaging.
The development of new grades of micro-flute board - basically corrugated with mini fluting - is opening up packaging possibilities that the manufacturer claims could outlive both its forerunners.
DS Smith Packaging is so proud of its new Kettering plant - bought from ex-Danisco Pack plants last year - that it has come up with a new trading name. The group already had another plant in Blunham - a big sheet feeder plant supplying huge volumes of corrugated sheets to the hundreds of sheet plants that make boxes.
Industry observers assumed that the Danisco site would be named Abbey Corrugated Kettering. But instead, Blunham remains Abbey Corrugated, while Kettering has become Abbey Board.
The Abbey Board plant is now producing some ground-breaking materials that could see a range of products switching from cartonboard or solid board to cleverly coated, beautifully decorated, and even barrier protected micro-flutes.
Silicon release coating opens up new bakery, ovenable and food packaging applications. Acrylic barriers on kraftliner are moisture and grease-resistant to extend the possibilities into meat and poultry trays. And a PE laminated micro-flute board is already a success with industries that require packs to withstand condensation.
Considering the greater flexibility and cost saving of this type of micro-flute boarding, the impact it may have on the food and beverage packaging sector could be immense.
David Coleman, managing director of the two Abbey sites, said the Blunham-Kettering combination offers a new deal to customers, who can choose from "the widest range of flute grades manufactured in the UK".
Given the increased flexibility and cost savings, traditional packaged products such as cereal boxes, wine boxes, fruit juice cartons could all be switching to this new form of micro-flute boarding in the future.