Wayne, Pa. (November 19, 2020) —Tekni-Plex has invested approximately $2 million in a new narrow web, flexographic press to meet printed lidding demands for larger-sized medical devices. The press is located at the company’s Ashland, Massachusetts, facility and is due to be operational in January.
“With increasing emphasis on minimally-invasive procedures, such as laparoscopies, orthopedics, and others which require a longer journey through the vascular system, medical device manufacturers are designing larger devices to accommodate the latest practices. As a result, these new devices also require larger thermoformed trays and lidding to contain them. Tekni-Plex’s investment in a new narrow-web press, which is capable of producing 35-inch length lidding, will handle these demanding applications,” said Timm Goodmanson, vice president, Flexible Division, Tekni-Plex.
The press also features a web cleaner for the base material and an inline vision system to ensure that printing meets stringent medical device requirements. The press features 360-degree registration adjustment and controlled ink densities which produce high quality dots in a simple and repeatable fashion. Additionally, the new 17-inch wide press will result in significantly-reduced lead times, delivering standard materials in two-to-four weeks. This capability will help medical device manufacturers meet condensed go-to-market timelines.
The four-color press will be used to die-cut coated lidding (DuPont™ Tyvek® and paper roll stocks) manufactured at the company’s Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin plants, using proprietary heat seal coating formulations. Additionally, Tekni-Plex’s Ashland facility also provides prepress services, including artwork and printing plates.
About the Tekni-Plex healthcare packaging businesses
The Tekni-Plex healthcare packaging businesses (Tekni-Plex Flexibles, Tekni-Films, Lameplast, LF of America and Beyers Plastics) produce flexible and rigid packaging for the medical device and pharmaceutical markets via nine manufacturing plants in North America and Europe. For medical devices, Tekni-Plex offers a broad portfolio of sterilizable packaging substrates including thermoformable medical tray films, coated and uncoated Tyvek®, heat- and cold-seal coated paper and films, medical grade laminates, die-cut lids, labels and cleanroom bags. For pharmaceutical applications, Tekni-Plex offers blister films and foil, film and paper laminates, unit- and multi-dose containers.
About Tekni-Plex, Inc.
Tekni-Plex is a globally-integrated company focused on developing and manufacturing products for a wide variety of end markets, including medical, pharmaceutical, food, beverage, personal care, household and industrial. Tekni-Plex is headquartered in Wayne, PA, and operates manufacturing sites across 10 countries worldwide to meet the needs of its global customers. For more information visit www.tekni-plex.com.