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Huhtamaki Fibre Foodservice expands global reach with launch of innovative fibre lid production in UK & Ireland
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Monday, 13 January, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Lurgan, Northern Ireland
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Huhtamaki´s site in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, marked a major milestone recently with the official opening of its smooth moulded fibre (SMF) lid production line. The expansion marks an important step in the ongoing commitment to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions across the region Its development expands the capability in being able to design, develop and deliver sustainable fibre packaging solutions for customers.
The facility will also increase the global capacity and footprint in SMF products, complementing existing production sites in Germany, Holland, and USA, as well as boosting capacity together with the strategic partners in Asia.
Importantly, this significant investment and new online production, will allow us to scale SMF production in line with customers’ growth ambitions in the future, an important asset given the growth prospects for UK and Ireland coffee market in the coming years.
Building on its 40-year of experience in fibre products, in-house state-of-the-art SMF technology provides products with superior quality and competitiveness. All the fibre lids come with a patented and unique click-fit function to ensure the most secure lid closure. The lids, like all other SMF products, are home compostable and easy to recycle.
To mark the opening of the new SMF line, which is the first in UK and Ireland, customers and stakeholders gathered at the Lurgan site for a tour of the factory and a detailed briefing on the benefits the unique lids bring by replacing plastic. The visitors heard how the investment opens a local supply line for SMF lids across UK and Ireland, offering Huhtamaki’s quality product to a broad customer base.
Fredrik Davidsson, president, Fibre Foodservice E-A-O, Huhtamaki, led the presentation, alongside Kim Aganimov, SVP New Businesses FFS EAO; Andy Hesp, general manager UK&I MU
Richard Smith, general manager at Huhtamaki (Lurgan), also addressed the guests and led the tour of the new production line where virgin paper is pulped before the lids are formed using Huhtamaki’s unique in-mould drying process. Visitors got to inspect the production line manufacturing fibre lids, which uses robotics and artificial intelligence to quality control the final product, as well as the in-house laboratory where constant monitoring ensures the utmost consistency.
The Lurgan site has been in operation for more than 100 years, and guests saw the rough moulded fibre products production line in Lurgan, where both cup carriers and egg cartons are produced.
Marianne Jutila, head of Smooth Moulded Fibre, Fibre Foodservice EAO, said the opening of the new SMF lid line in Lurgan bolsters our ability to supply the UK and Ireland market. She said, “It is fantastic to see the ribbon cut on the new SMF production line in Lurgan, the culmination of months of hard work by the fantastic team at the site. With production now up and running and the potential to add further capacity in the coming years, we are perfectly placed to supply the growing demand for a fully sustainable lid across the UK and Ireland, and further afield.”
Richard Smith, general manager at Huhtamaki (Lurgan), said the SMF line adds to the Lurgan site’s offering. He said, “Having focused on rough fibre production for more than 100 years here in Lurgan, we have relished the opportunity to bring our expertise to bear on the new SMF plant. The team – which consists of several elite engineers and production operatives, have done a sterling job in commissioning the plant and we look forward to adding further to its capacity in the future.”
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