COATING AND LAMINATING
Afripack can coat up to a maximum width of 1500mm, applying as low at 9gsm, or as high as 50gsm. In most cases clear low density polyethylene (LDPE) is used, but we are able to blend poly prop (PP) and various master batches- either for colour, UV resistance or other applications.

Polyethylene coated paper is most often used as a moisture or oil resistant barrier in products, especially in products such as dog food, ream wrap, paper reel wrap and other protective wrappings. It is also used for heat sealing applications for sugar and salt sachets. In most cases foil lamination is used as a barrier for hazardous or odorous chemicals or for flavour protection in applications such as tea sacks. Afripack uses only FDA approved polyethylene and foil grades.

Paper ranging from 30gsm to 380gsm can be polyethylene coated in either a gloss or matt finish. Paper can be coated on one or both sides and the application of polyethylene can range between 9gsm and 60gsm. Product is predominantly supplied in reel form but there are applications that are supplied in sheet form. Complex paper/polyethylene/foil laminations can be constructed.

To view a diagram of the Coating and Laminating Process – click here.


FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING
Afripack currently has three Flexographic Rotary Printers: a 6 colour stack press used predominantly for paper sack pre-printing as well as two modern European 8 colour presses, with the ability to print on a range of both paper and plastic substrates.

The first 8 colour press was installed in 2003 followed by the second in 2006 and both uses the latest gearless and sleeve technology.

Printing widths range up to 1300mm on the 8 colour presses and 1600mm on the 6 colour. Either solvent or water based inks are used, subject to customer preference and applications.

Regarding colour, in most cases we prefer to use the Pantone colour reference guide, which is internationally recognised.

Special colours outside of the Pantone guide do arise from time to time and for this we will match the colour sample supplied. Afripack can supply colour swatches, matched against the customers’ Pantone references, on the substrate to be printed.

To view a diagram of the Flexographic Process – click here.