M&H Plastics invests in flexible tube business
According to the UK-based packaging supplier there has been ‘unprecedented growth’ in this segment of the business, leading the company to invest a ‘significant sum’ into expanding the current facilities.
Leading position in UK market
Demand for flexible tube packaging in general is growing, according to sales and marketing director Simon Chidgey, and M&H Plastics wished to capitalise on its leading position in the UK market.
“M&H Plastics is now the principle UK manufacturer of tubes. With concerns over miles to market and supply disruption, local manufacture is deemed advantageous,” Chidgey told CosmeticsDesign.com.
The investment will see the expansion of the existing facilities in Beccles, Suffolk, as well as incorporating new technology to improve the decoration capabilities of the plant.
Along with enhanced printing and decoration effects, the new facilities will also offer co-extrusion up to five layers, which will improve barrier properties as well as allow for different surface finishes such as matt, metallic, or soft touch, explained Chidgey.
Uniform shape across the range
In addition, this allows for more flexibility in the shape of tubes so customers can strengthen brand image through packaging uniformity.
“The process will allow different shape tubes to be manufactured, allowing ranges to be more uniform in design; round bottles/ round tubes; oval bottles/ oval tubes - the possibilities are endless,” said Chidgey.
Customers will also have the option of having tamper evidence features incorporated into their product, which according to Chidgey is becoming increasingly popular across Europe.
Chidgey also said one of the major advantages of the plant expansion and new technology will be the possibility to reduce customer lead times – a quality that M&H Plastics hopes will place it ahead of the competition.
