A new laser investment enables laser scoring across two sides of a single film or laminate to create easy-open and reclose pack designs. The laser technology can be used across a variety of packaging applications from flexible packaging to easy-peel vented lidding for ready meal packs.

Nick Smith, managing director at Parkside, said: “Convenience is continuing to play an important role in shaping consumption trends, that in turn affect the nature of packaging demanded by brands, retailers and food manufacturers. Anything that makes life easier for the consumer, whether that’s easy-open, portability or portioned food packs, means added pack functionality is key to improving the modern on-the-go consumer experience.

“At Parkside, we are always looking to enhance our designs to create forward thinking contemporary pack solutions. Our new laser capability will allow us to meet the needs of the modern consumer, as well as deliver stand out innovation for brands and retailers.”

The new laser technology, usable on both mono materials and multi-layer laminates, delivers a controlled score depth at varying web speeds, whilst maintaining the overall integrity of the film or pack. Precise and high quality score lines, and depths of any shape and size, are achieved to create reliable easy-open features that consistently tear along the designated score line.

Installed at the company’s Normanton facility in West Yorkshire, the new equipment is the second laser scribing machine to be based at the UK site and also creates a number of new employee roles at the company.

Jonathan Steele, key account development manager, Parkside, said: “Our original laser investment only allowed us to scribe across one side of a substrate. This latest machine enables us to produce new opening designs that require two-side lasering. The laser allows us to create a tight tolerance between the front and back laser incisions, while offering improved efficiencies. All of this can be done without compromising the barrier properties required for the packed contents.”

The speciality packaging solutions provider has developed a number of easy-open and reclosable packaging designs in recent months and aims to build on its portfolio with the new laser investment.