In April 2024, Coveris, a leading European packaging manufacturer, announced a multi-million-pound investment at its Winsford site, the UK’s largest blown extrusion facility of polyethylene (PE) films. The investment, supporting Coveris’ expansion into the vacuum skin packaging (VSP) market, includes a dedicated conversion hall and specialist manufacturing equipment.
Vacuum skin packaging is characterised by its skin-like appearance around products producing a high-quality appearance and delivers up to 28 days shelf-life, helping to extend freshness and reduce food waste. The addition of VSP packaging to Coveris’ portfolio utilises its industry-leading production of nine-layer EVOH barrier film for meat, fish and dairy sectors.
Following several months of construction work and machinery installation, Andrew Cooper MP attended the opening of the new conversion hall at Coveris Winsford alongside members of the site’s leadership team and employees involved with the development and operating of the new facility.
In addition to the official opening, the MP spent four hours at Coveris and completed a full tour of the manufacturing facilities and specialist Film Science Lab, learning how packaging is produced and validated, and its protective, shelf-life enhancing and functional role. The visit also included a discussion on government legislation and Coveris’ commitment to its No Waste sustainability strategy including packaging, operations and company culture.
Andrew Cooper MP said, “I was delighted to open the very impressive new conversion hall at Coveris in Winsford. It was particularly pleasing to see Coveris’ commitment to sustainability in finding sustainable solutions to plastic packaging. I am also very pleased that the company is investing in its Winsford site and look forward to seeing the manufacturer continue to go from strength to strength here in Mid Cheshire.”
Sujoy Bose, Coveris Winsford’s Managing Director comments, “On behalf of the Coveris Winsford team, thank you to Andrew Cooper MP for officially opening our new VSP conversion hall. This is a significant investment for the site and an exciting opportunity for us to grow as the UK’s only producer of vacuum skin packaging. We were also proud to showcase the advancements we are making in support of our No Waste strategy, including our award-winning sustainable packaging innovations and projects to drive down waste and operate more efficiently, driven by the dedicated team at Coveris Winsford.”
Coveris Winsford’s commitment to sustainability and performance was highlighted earlier this year at the Weetabix Supplier Awards. Coveris received the prestigious Weetabix Supplier Innovation Award linked to its supply of recyclable and downgauged cereal liners, Cereal+. The award recognises suppliers who have proactively delivered ideas and opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.