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Demonstrating their significant technical and design expertise, i2r Packaging Solutions has unveiled an innovative aluminium smoothwall product that is set to shake-up the food packaging industry.
The patent protected and design registered, i2r Ultra™, uses a new style of embossing to dramatically increase stress resistance thereby reducing the gauge, price point and environmental impact of the product.
The new container will be launched on stand G45 at the forthcoming Packaging innovations show at the NEC, Birmingham on 27-28 February.
i2r partnered with Wolverhampton University to progress the detailed and complex project, utilising finite element analysis prediction software; the stronger, yet lightweight tray design has subsequently undergone significant independent scientific testing and validation. The specialist rib and base configuration provides an increase in structural strength and delivers a reduction in weight against market equivalents. The inclusion of an Alu recyclable logo and a ‘rinse & recycle’ message, helps provide the consumer with a clear and strong environmental call-to-action, assisting to further promote the already high levels of aluminium recycling.
“With i2r Ultra™, we have achieved a weight saving on an infinitely recyclable product and increased the strength over other competitor products,” said Jon West, i2r’s commercial director.
“As a market leader, our abilities to innovate are well known. This design shows that we are working hard to address environmental concerns, whilst at the same time offering further innovation and commercial choice by increasing strength and offering the product at a reduced price point against comparable containers. We are really excited about this new range and the benefits it has to offer,” he added.
The company is initially launching i2r Ultra™ with 8 foil containers as an addition to their existing smoothwall range, with further investment in new tooling to expand the range longer term.
“We welcome customers to contact us to discuss the project in more detail and we’ll act on their requirements. In complementing our existing products, it is technically possible to incorporate this design throughout the whole i2r smoothwall range,” said West.
i2r Packaging Solutions manufacture a comprehensive range of wrinklewall and smoothwall semi-rigid aluminium foil containers used throughout the food industry. The company operates as part of the Laminazione Sottile Group – a leading global supplier of aluminium products. The group supplies aluminium trays to the UK, Europe, the Middle East, North America, Asia and Australia.
i2r Packaging Solutions has announced ambitious expansion plans, with a £1.5 million investment to develop its Telford site over the next 12 months.
New buildings, tools and production lines are all planned, to meet a sharp rise in demand for its smoothwall and wrinklewall aluminum containers; turnover in 2014 has increased by 24%, with a similar rise predicted in 2015.
In October 2014, i2r moved to a seven day, 24-hour working structure. As a result it has increased staff numbers from 45 to 60, and delivered an additional 40% in production capacity.
Peter Reay, chief executive, said: "Meeting our growth requirements is vital but so too is remaining flexible for shorter production runs and short notice peaks in demand. We mirror many of our customers’ working patterns."
Ground works for two new warehouse storage units are expected to start early in the next few months.
The company is working closely with Telford & Wrekin Council and has taken great care to ensure that new buildings integrate into the existing structure with minimal impact on the surrounding area.
In line with i2r’s environmental credentials, the units are being designed to a high specification including solar roof panelling and intelligent ultra-low power LED internal lighting.
When complete, the business will benefit from an additional 3,000 pallet locations and an extra four production lines.
Alongside Italian parent company Contital, i2r also plans to extend its product portfolio and build an additional 35 wrinklewall foil tools over the next two years.
Commercial director Jon West said: "The speed of growth is phenomenal and we are very proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short space of time. Given the economic position and competitive marketplace, we think it is a remarkable story."
"Our drive will be to continue to expand our smoothwall offering worldwide, but also to give choice to the UK and mainland European market on the traditional wrinklewall foil market."
"Our wealth of engineering and technical experience throughout the group is vital when introducing new products and innovations on such a regular basis. Offering greater choices to the market is vital for our long term expansion plans. Standing still is not an option."
i2r, which was established in 2007, now exports directly to 18 countries, including the USA, Australia, South Africa and various mainland European destinations.
Parent company, Laminazione Sottile, was recently honoured with an Industrial Investment Award at the eighth edition of the UK-Italy Business Awards, organised by the British Consulate General in Milan and UK Trade & Investment (Ukti), the government agency for export and investment promotion.
