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Film firm faces new year with confidence
I CAN'T pretend that I fully understood the science behind the Paperfeel product, as intriguing as was the explanation given by technical director Geoff Southwell. Put simply, it's a three-layered film, some varieties of which feel like paper.
I CAN'T pretend that I fully understood the science behind the Paperfeel product, as intriguing as was the explanation given by technical director Geoff Southwell. Put simply, it's a three-layered film, some varieties of which feel like paper.What I did grasp with clarity, though, was that the company of the same name, Paperfeel Ltd, based in Orton Southgate, Peterborough, was proving to be a success story and looking ahead to 2009 with some confidence.
"The order book has never been bigger," said managing director Brian Woods.
"During the last couple of weeks we have taken on five new staff, to bring us up to a complement of 35. And this month, the factory will change from a five-and-a-half day to a seven-day working week. Shifts will be four days on and four days off."
Paperfeel extrudes polymers, and incorporating various additives, manufactures the three-layered film. It boasts superior technical qualities, its outside layer being a high-quality white, the inside black and the middle another colour.
Multi-layered technology is long established in the industry.
"I originally worked with two-layered extrusion," said Mr Southwell, the "brains" behind the original paperfeel concept.
"It's all about cost-saving – co-extrusion produces better results. Using lesser weight packaging is the way forward.
"We have sophisticated and very expensive equipment which incorporate control systems to ensure we arrive at the precise 'bespoke' end product."
And that film has a number of applications.
The company can print and convert the extruded film to form sacks, bags, and other packaging products.
These are used in the pet food and horticultural industries, for mailer bag users, and many others.
"Sometimes we sell the film, such as printed film for wrapping food," said Mr Woods.
Alternatively, it can be turned into sacks. For example, one company, one major garden peat supplier uses it in a wide range of its peat-based products.
Another product range is Ecofeel which is biodegradable or compostable.
Paperfeel's products include magazine wrapping and mailing bags, all-weather labels and posters, and packing materials.
There is an increasing awareness of the cost of packaging, especially in the current economic climate.
"Because of the high quality machinery we have, we can reduce the thickness of plastic yet retain its strength," said Mr Woods.
"For example, if you went to any supermarket and bought a packet of ice, there is an 80 per cent chance that it is ours. We have been able to substantially down gauge the film, from 70 microns thickness to 35 microns thickness. Which means half the weight of plastic for the same quantity of film."Paperfeel is also used for garden products, because people are taking on board the "green" message.
A second print machine in the factory deals with the mailer side of business, including European clients.
In addition, there are a number of products in the pipeline/development stages.
"We are currently testing a Paperfeel product for use as replacement for PVC signs," added Mr Woods.
Paperfeel was set up by two Bedfordshire-based entrepreneurs, Clifton Ibbett and Lutz Richter, who remain the major shareholders and originally the company employed less than 25 staff in Orton Southgate.
And despite its current positive business stance, it has not all been plain sailing, says Mr Woods.
He said: "It was a bit of a struggle last November and December, but thanks to the help given by creditors we pulled through.
"The company is small enough to provide a personal service."
And it has also opened new, additional premises in nearby Culley Court for the production of printed sacks.
Paperfeel Ltd
Harrier Park
Southgate Way
Orton Southgate
Peterborough
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