A custom designed and built Nordmeccanica laminator was officially launched by Nampak Laminated & Coated Products (L&CP) in Isithebe, KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.

The three-station laminator, which is one-of-a-kind in the world, is able to laminate five substrates using three adhesives in a single process. Its uniqueness lies in its width, flexibility and complexity.

The decision to acquire the machine was made with a view to enhancing the fire retardant properties of the insulation materials, manufactured by Nampak L&CP, under the registered trade name, Super Sisalation. At the same time, the move means Nampak L&CP already has the necessary technology in place to meet the fire prevention requirements laid down in the new building regulations.

However, the machine’s capabilities extend beyond insulation materials and include the lamination of other flexible substrates, including film, aluminium foil, paper, carton board, woven cloth, reinforced netting and spunbond. This is made possible by the fact that the machine is able to apply a variety of adhesives from solventless to water-based and hot-melt.

“One of the major advantages of the Nordmeccanica laminator lies in its flexibility,” says Rob Francois, Managing Director of Nampak L&CP and Nampak Aluminium Foil. “We’re able to do more in a single process, while having the ability to finely adjust the machine’s settings to maximise material efficiency. This tailor-made solutions approach is part of our commitment to packaging excellence in everything we do.”

Manufactured in Italy, the laminator cost almost R20 million.