With an investment of 10 million euros, Walki wants to meet the increasing demand for sustainable materials in the consumer packaging segment. The company is therefore investing in a next-generation production line in Valkeakoski, Finland.
Internally, the production line was in the planning stage for more than two years. „We have it designed in-house and extensive test runs carried out, to get it just right. It will be a completely unique production line and the most advanced in the world,“ explains Kari Salminen, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice President, Engineered Materials.
The new production line utilises a new coating technology that Walki has never used before. This canombined dispersion and impregnation technology is important for the production of barriers for recyclable fibre-based packaging. The production line will also meet the increasing demand for heat-sealable packaging solutions.
„There is a strong megatrend where brand owners are switching to recyclable packaging. Dispersion technology is a Sustainable way to create a barrier for fibre-based packaging, which does not impair recyclability in fibre streams.“
Kari Salminen, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice President, Engineered Materials at Walki
Regulations in the construction industry are becoming increasingly stringent, leading to a need for materials that can replace aluminium but are still flame-retardant in order to meet fire safety classes. The new production line will Manufacture panelling coated with a flame-retardant substance for polyurethane insulation materials are.
The production line will also be used to test new innovations. It is scheduled to go into operation in the second quarter of 2023 and will also supply Walki's plants outside Finland with capacity.
Source: Walki
