How can the growing demands for flexibility, productivity and sustainability in blown film production be successfully combined? Around 50 guests from all over the world found answers to this question at this year’s Open House hosted by Hosokawa Alpine’s Blown Film Extrusion business unit on 28 and 29 October in Augsburg. Participants from countries such as Spain, Turkey, the Balkans, Poland and Greece took the opportunity to discuss the latest technologies and market trends, experience innovative production solutions first-hand and visit the newly redesigned Alpine test centre for the first time.

The event focused on the requirements of a packaging industry that is increasingly guided by sustainability targets and new regulatory requirements. Technical presentations by Hosokawa Alpine and renowned partner companies such as Exxon Mobil, Comexi, Kuraray and Leipa Flexibles highlighted current developments in flexible packaging solutions and the requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Michael Heinecker, Senior Vice President Blown Film Extrusion at Hosokawa Alpine, and Konstantin Klein, Director Sales Blown Film Extrusion at Hosokawa Alpine, kicked off the two-day event with their presentation ‘Meeting Market Demands with Flexible Blown Film Technology’. This was followed by presentations on various packaging solutions in light of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), as well as on targeted service and modernisation measures to ensure the long-term viability of existing blown film lines. Hosokawa Alpine’s various automation solutions were also presented in detail.

A particular highlight was the extensive product demonstrations in the newly designed test centre. Here, visitors were able to experience the performance of the Alpine systems under real production conditions.

Various production scenarios were demonstrated on the Alpine 5-layer line – ranging from MDO films to non-barrier laminating films and laminating films with a high PCR content. The focus was particularly on high output rates, rapid format changes and flexible material changeovers.

The Alpine 9-layer line was equally impressive, showcasing various barrier solutions incorporating EVOH. The demonstrations included, amongst other things, the production of MDO barrier films. These were complemented by a presentation on the quick change of a stretching roller on a 12-roller MDO line, which highlighted not only the speed of the changeover but also the efficient cleaning of the vacuum roller.

In addition to the technical presentations, the Open House offered numerous opportunities for personal interaction. During a joint tour of the company, a brewery tour and a group dinner, customers, partners and Alpine staff strengthened existing contacts and forged new international connections.

With this Open House, Hosokawa Alpine once again underlined its role as a technology partner for the blown film industry. “Through a combination of specialist presentations, practical live demonstrations and intensive networking, we showed our customers how they can meet future market requirements with our blown film lines whilst achieving maximum productivity and flexibility,” said Michael Heinecker. The guests set off on their journey home armed with plenty of new ideas, valuable contacts and inspiring insights.

Explore more: Blown Film Extrusion