Plastic as a base material
Plastic is used as the base material in our carrier bags and packaging.
Most of our products are made of polyethylene (PE), a flexible type of plastic and the most widely used plastic worldwide. Besides conventional PE, we also process recycled plastic, plastic from renewable raw materials (such as oil derived from plant products, among others) and 100% compostable material based on corn starch.
1. Extrusion
The first stage in our production process consists of making the film which is done by blown film extrusion.
Blowing the film (also called ‘extruding’) is a continuous process in which polyethylene granules are melted by heating and then pressed through a die head. The thin-walled tube emerging from the die head is then cooled and inflated, creating a huge plastic balloon. Once the balloon has cooled, it is flattened, slitted if necessary and finally wound onto rolls.
As a result of this process, we obtain large rolls of plastic film ready for further processing.
2. Printing
If you opted for a personalised packaging or carrier bag, the next step in our production process is printing the film.
The printing technique we use is flexography, one of the most widely used printing processes in the packaging industry. Printing is done at high speed, making it the ideal printing technique for larger volumes. Flexography is a rotary relief printing technique that involves flexible print stamps (also known as ‘clichés’ or ‘photopolymer plates’). The image to be printed is positioned higher, in relief, on the print stamp, hence the term ‘relief printing’.
A separate print stamp is made and a specific colour of ink is mixed for every print colour featuring in your logo or design. Our presses can print up to 8 colours. The possibilities range from simple line prints to high-quality full-colour prints.
3. Confection
In the third and final stage of our production process, we proceed to the confection of the packaging or carrier bag. This is where the film is processed into the end product. Each type of packaging or carrier bag has its own production line, but the process is similar for each model.
The printed or unprinted roll of film is placed on one of our machines. The film is folded, cut and heat-sealed. Depending on the model in question, additional operations are applied such as adding a handle, an adhesive strip, air holes, etc.
Discover our products
A tailor-made
carrier bag or packaging?
Let us know what we can do for you!
Looking for a personalised carrier bag? Or would you like to market your brand in a professional way with customised packaging? Our specialists will be happy to help you! We think along with you, take into account your needs and are happy to advise you on the right material and finish.
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ALPAGRO PACKAGING NV
Europark 1060
B-3530 Houthalen
VAT BE 0432.252.685
