Camvac International Welcomes Pupils from our Local Academy

Recently we welcomed pupils from our local Academy for a site visit 📚
CEO Greg conducted a tour of the factory on Brunel Way, this was followed by a presentation from Dan, Dawn & Nicki about their current roles and giving the pupils an insight into potential career paths for the future.

The visit was concluded by our very own Bob Jarman who is in his 50th year at Camvac…Incredible! The perfect example of career progression right there!

Here’s what Bob had to say about ‘Life’ at Camvac 🔽

I did A-levels and 2 years of engineering studies before hearing about the vacancy in the ‘drawing office’ here from my brother (who also did 40 + years)
I was offered the job after a scary interview with the directors(!) and started with Vacuum Research straight from college as a Junior Draughtsman, which meant I was drawing parts of machines for manufacture with a drawing board, pencil and paper! In fact, there were no personal computers and we’d only just got calculators!

I progressed with training and mentoring to become a Design Engineer, part of a team responsible for designing what were then the most advanced metallisers in the world.
I continued to design modifications and improvements for in-house machines and there’s something I’ve designed on most of them still! I even designed one of the slitters we still use.
Part of my role was then in specifying what to buy and evaluating options and then being involved in extending the factory and services to accommodate them.

My next career move was to become Engineering Manager which meant that I then became responsible for maintenance of the plant and machinery with a team of over 20 engineers operating 24/7 at the time.
Managing people was a whole new challenge and required some training and time to settle into the role.
I was still involved in process development, and we were actively licensing some of our technology (Plasma treatment systems ) around the world, mainly Asia and Australia, which kept my interest in design alive.

I was involved in a long-term project to develop our patented IVC process which remains unique in the marketplace, again requiring a lot of engineering design input and working with other engineers to develop control systems etc.

As engineering manager, I enjoyed recruiting and supporting young engineering apprentices, which we have done for over 20 years. Most of these guys have gone on to have successful careers in all fields of engineering, with some still with us.

I’ve always been interested in engineering and science and that’s why I’ve enjoyed most of my time at Camvac – it’s been challenging but rarely dull!

Hopefully some of you may consider a career in engineering – there’s many opportunities out there in all sorts of fields from hands on with spanners and hammers to design and computer programming, so there’s plenty of variety and chances to have a rewarding career.

Recyclable Liquid Packaging; Cambag – All PE Barrier Laminate

Recyclable liquid packaging, all PE high barrier laminates now available at Camvac International.

Camvac, a leading barrier coating and lamination company with over 30 years of experience in the flexible liquid packaging industry, has introduced a new range of speciality laminates called Cambag. These laminates are specifically designed for the bag-in-box liquid packaging sector and are set to redefine industry standards for bags ranging from 1 litre to 200 litres.

Positioned within the Camplex product range, with various laminate structures all giving high or very high barrier and extended product shelf-life performance.

The speciality laminates, developed by Camvac’s in-house R&D team, aim to meet the growing demand for mono-material solutions.

Available in adhesive or thermal laminate options, the structure of the laminates is all PE: PE/MET PE/PE.

This high-performance, recyclable liquid packaging laminate, all Polyethylene barrier laminate offers enhanced product protection and durability tailored for the liquid packaging/bag-inside-box (BiB) market, ensuring safe storage and transportation of various liquids.

Camvac’s use of in-house vacuum coating metallisers allows for precise control over optical density levels, ensuring accurate control over gas permeation in the laminate structure. This innovative technology maintains the required barrier properties, making the laminates ideal for aseptic packaging applications where product integrity is crucial.

Through our industry experience and advanced manufacturing capabilities, Camvac continues to push the boundaries of laminate technology in thermal and adhesive-based lamination. The introduction of Cambag demonstrates Camvac’s commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the liquid packaging market.

With these new speciality recyclable liquid packaging laminates, Camvac is strengthening its position as a trusted provider of advanced packaging solutions for various industries. The company’s dedication to excellence and cutting-edge technology has established its reputation as a reliable source for high-performance laminates tailored to meet the strict requirements of modern flexible packaging applications.

For more information about Cambag or Camvac’s other single web and laminate solutions, please email info@camvacintl.com or call +44 (0)1842 755 021.

Management buyout creates Camvac International Limited.

Management buyout creates Camvac International Limited.

Camvac, the flexible packaging specialist based in the east of England has announced the successful completion of its management buyout, in turn creating a new company Camvac International Limited.

Camvac has been synonymous with quality and innovation since its formation in Cambridge in the 1950’s. The company pioneered the use of metallised films and laminates for a diverse range of applications and market.

The management buyout ensures the continuation of this mission; A wealth of film metallising expertise in high metal adhesion, high barrier performance and thermal & adhesive lamination has been secured by the management buyout deal. The transaction involved the acquisition of the plant and machinery, stock and intellectual property, as well as providing security of supply for Camvac’s international customer base.

Camvac International is uniquely placed within the films and laminates industry as a truly independent company. It can maximise its purchasing power and product optimisation as it works with whichever supplier can provide the best solution.

Camvac is a true one-stop-shop as it has the capacity and technology to metallise, laminate (thermal & adhesive) and slit films and complex laminate structures all under one roof. Meaning the company can supply a full range of slit widths to match any application and order lead times are drastically reduced. The company is believed to be the only company in the world currently producing both adhesive and thermal laminates in widths up to 2225mm.

Product Focus.

Camfoil.
Developed as a multi-layered metallised laminate, Camfoil delivers the ultimate light, moisture and gas barrier that maintains high performance throughout the complete supply chain.

Created as an alternative to aluminium foil, Camfoil offers all the same functionality and removes many of its weaknesses, making the new innovation perfect for multiple flexible packaging applications. The material has also been specifically engineered for its heat seal characteristics – the film is tailored to heat seal through contamination making it ideal for powdered products such as milk and infant formula, protein and whey powders. Its also perfect for foodstuffs such as peanuts and other snacks that require robust light and gas barriers.

Typical consumer end applications for Camfoil include bags, sachets, pouches and lidding film for products as wide-ranging as dry food, dry powder packaging and bulk shipment of high oxygen and moisture sensitive products – including household cleaning products. Camfoil is available as a triplex extreme barrier laminate for further conversion downstream, and Camvac can supply a print receptive finished goods laminate with a range of sealant webs, including PE, PET, CPP and OPP.

The second generation of Camfoil is currently in advanced development stages, with Camvac International’s technical team working on an all PE, print receptive, heat-sealable, extreme barrier metallised laminate. Commercialisation is expected during the first half of 2024 with laminate being supplied in either parent reels or slit-down ready for VFFS production.

AlOx Films.

Market leading AlOx barrier film solutions; single web Camclear and Extrapet lidding film offers unrivalled choice of gauges and widths, boasting supreme gas and moisture barrier performance, transparency – and the potential of full recyclability.

Camclear is a chlorine free, EVOH alternative barrier coating, available in a wide range of single-web substrates, including polyester, polythene and polypropylene in thickness from 10um. Camclear features exceedingly high barrier performance, both OTR and MVTR, which is critical for MAP and CAP packaging.

Extrapet lidding film is an all PET barrier lidding film solution. Available with weld or peelable seal options, the premium grade polyester will heat seal though contamination, preventing leaks and food waste. The Extrapet range includes retort films, also available in weld and peelable grades, that have been specifically developed to withstand the high temperatures during the retort sterilisation process. Camvac’s in-house antifog coating offers superior clarity which ensures excellent light transmission and low haze values.

Camvac uses the highest-grade raw materials to create top-quality, highly engineered lidding films and laminates which surpass customers’ needs. They are highly print receptive and provide best-in-class protection for fresh meat, fish, pork, beef mince, processed meats, cheese, pasta, vegetables and bakery products. Camvac’s barrier lidding film solutions are perfect for converting applications, ensuring extended product shelf-life – and they are microwaveable and oven-ready.

With the creation of Camvac International Limited, the chosen markets remain with the new company’s vision of being one of the leading global suppliers of metallised film and clear barrier films and laminates for a wide range of food packaging, liquid packaging, medical applications, construction, and insulation products.

CEO Greg Kingham and Development Director Gary Chalkley head up the new management structure and have already embarked on a companywide review of its activities, with the aim of increasing its sustainable packaging solutions and the company’s patented barrier coating technology. In turn, exploiting new supply opportunities into existing and emerging markets, and forging strategic partnerships with like-minded companies in the flexible packaging marketplace.

Barrier Lidding Film Relaunched

Camvac relaunches premium barrier lidding film range with exclusive new features.

Camvac Ltd, global pioneer in transparent barrier films and laminates, has relaunched a range of market-leading AlOx barrier lidding film solutions: Camclear, Extrapet, and Extrapet PCR. Re-engineered with an unrivalled choice of gauges and widths, the trio boasts supreme gas and moisture barrier performance, transparency – and full recyclability.

Camclear is a chlorine free, EVOH alternative barrier coating, available in a wide range of single-web substrates, including polyester, polyethene and polypropylene in thickness from 12um. Camclear features exceedingly high barrier performance, both OTR and MVTR, which is critical for MAP/CAP packaging.

Extrapet and Extrapet PCR are all polyester barrier lidding film solutions. Available with weld or peelable seal options, the premium grade polyester will heat seal through contamination, preventing leaks and food waste. The Extrapet range includes retort films, also in weld and peelable grades, that have been specifically developed to withstand the high temperatures during a retort sterilisation process. Camvac’s in-house antifog coating offers superior clarity which ensures excellent light transmission and low haze values. Extrapet PCR also supports improved sustainability with over 30% Post-Consumer Recycled content – which ensures it falls outside of the UK Plastic Packaging Tax criteria.

Camvac is uniquely placed within the films and laminates industry as an independent company. It can maximise its purchasing power and product optimisation as it works with whichever supplier can provide the best solution. As a result the relaunched films are available in an unheard-of range of widths – from 30mm to 2100mm.

Camvac’s Director of Product Development, Gary Chalkley, explained: “Camclear, Extrapet and Extrapet PCR are the Rolls-Royce of transparent lidding films. They were pretty impressive first time out but, after the extensive R&D work our team has put into re-engineering them, we’re confident that there are no better films on the market today. Certainly none with the sheer versatility combined with premium quality. As an added bonus the sealing range is an impressive 140 to 200 degrees Celsius, giving our customers the choice of running lines faster and using less energy to heat the machine. What’s not to love?”

Camvac is a true one-stop-shop as it has the capacity and technology to metallise, laminate and slit films and laminates all under one roof, meaning the company can supply a full range of slit widths to match any application and order lead times are drastically reduced.

Gary Chalkley added: “Camvac has been synonymous with quality and innovation since its formation in Cambridge in the 1950s. The company pioneered the use of metallised films and laminates for a diverse range of applications and markets. We’re continuing our mission with Camclear, Extrapet and Extrapet PCR – the next generation of lidding films. They’re perfectly suited to multiple food and converter applications and we expect them to take the market by storm as so many of our products have in the past.”

Camvac Unveils Game-Changing Camfoil: the Future of Laminate Packaging

metallised barrier film foil alternative Camfoil by Camvac

Camvac Ltd, a prominent global supplier of transparent and metallised barrier film and laminates, has announced the launch of its latest product, Camfoil. Developed as a multi-layered metallised barrier film laminate, Camfoil delivers the ultimate light, moisture and gas barrier that maintains high performance throughout the complete supply chain.

Created as an alternative to aluminium foil, Camfoil offers all the same functionality and removes many of its weaknesses, making this new innovation perfect for multiple flexible packaging applications. The material has also been specifically engineered for its heat seal characteristics – the film is tailored to heat seal through contamination making it ideal for powdered products such as milk and infant formula, protein and whey powders. It’s also perfect for foodstuffs such as peanuts and other snacks that require robust light and gas barriers.

Typical consumer end applications for Camfoil include bags, sachets, pouches and lidding film for products as wide-ranging as dry food, dry powder packaging and bulk shipment of high oxygen and moisture-sensitive products – including household cleaning products. Camfoil is available as a triplex extreme barrier laminate for further conversion downstream, and Camvac can supply a print-receptive finished goods laminate with a range of sealant webs, including PE, PET, CPP and OPP.

Camvac’s Director of Product Development, Gary Chalkley, explained: “Camfoil is a truly next-generation laminate that sets a new high bar for barrier packaging. Camfoil removes the risk of pin-holing while providing an excellent gas and water vapour barrier and providing the potential to extend product shelf-life. It’s eminently suitable for extreme applications, for example vacuum insulation panels that contain silica or liquid cleaning products, as well as regular and powdered foodstuffs.”

Millions of pounds worth of products are transported daily in flexible foil packaging, meaning they could be at risk if their packaging is damaged, incorrectly handled or low quality. Camfoil delivers complete peace of mind to producers and consumers as it will not flex crack like aluminium foil. Goods will stay fresh and usable for longer, offering greater value for money, and the product is compatible with existing packaging machinery.

Gary Chalkley added: “Camfoil is a premium, market leading product for performance and packaging applications. The laminate is further enhanced by its sealant web which can be tailored to your packaging’s bespoke end use, so just give us a call to experience Camvac’s world class customer service. It utilises locally sourced raw materials so we’re offering customers improved supply chain resilience too. Camfoil is a first-class material that sustains product integrity through its entire lifecycle. It’s goodbye aluminium foil and get ready for real flexible packaging revolution!”

For more information, visit https://www.camvac.com/product/Camfoil

Camvac welcomes local MP to officially open our newest Thermal Lamination Line

Liz Truss, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Northern Ireland, Camvac’s local MP visited our production site in Thetford on 13^th January ’23 for a site tour and to officially open our newest lamination line.

Installed and commissioned over recent months, the new thermal lamination line adds around 3,000 tonnes of additional capacity into the Thetford site. Manufacturing Camvac’s market-leading, high-performance, metallised triplex thermal laminate range which is part of our Camplex product portfolio and is predominantly used within the manufacture of Bag-in-Box and bulk liquid packaging solutions.

The thermal laminate range provides excellent seal strength, seal integrity and flexibility, which are key performance parameters in the packing and transportation of liquids.

The increased capacity in our Thermal Laminate range compliments our wider portfolio of barrier metallised and transparent adhesive lamination products that are supplied to the Bag-in-Box and bulk liquid packaging markets where Camvac has held a strong presence and reputation for quality, service, and innovation for over 30 years.

Camfoil an Innovative Alternative to Foil

UK based Camvac is one of the leading global suppliers of metallised and clear barrier films and laminates, and it is this patented barrier coating technology that has been utilised to create a revolutionary alternative to foil.

Commercially named Camfoil, the new flexible packaging laminate is a multi-layer metallised laminate offering the same functionality as a foil laminate, with a key benefit being the elimination of the potential pin-holing risk associated with foil laminations.

The benefit of a secure multi-layer barrier film provides additional product safety and potential extended product shelf-life compared to an equivalent foil laminate.

Utilising Camvac’s unique barrier coating capabilities, Camfoil provides extreme gas and water vapour barrier equal to foil for ultimate packaging performance.

Furthermore, improved supply chain resilience is achieved as the laminate utilises locally sourced raw materials. This strong supply chain can significantly reduce the MOQ and shorten lead-times, compared to foil-based laminate structures where global supply chain has been an issue in recent times.

Camfoil is available as a triplex extreme barrier laminate for further conversion downstream or Camvac can supply as a print receptive finished goods laminate with a range of sealant webs (PE / PET / CPP / OPP) tailored to their customer’s bespoke end use.

Typical end applications include bags, sachets, pouches, and lidding film for use in applications such as dry food and dry powder packaging plus bulk shipment of highly oxygen and/or moisture sensitive products.

Andrew Smith, Head of Sales at Camvac, spoke about the new development “The successful development of Camfoil using our unique technologies and operational capabilities, provides Camvac, its customers and partners with a new product family that provides foil equivalent barrier which can eliminate some of the challenges of sourcing, processing, handling, and recycling issues associated foil-based structures.

The wide variety of laminate specification options using Camfoil as the core barrier functional layer, and the significant number of potential end-uses that could benefit from this product, provides opportunity for growth across a range of market sectors.”

To mark the launch of Camfoil at Packaging Innovations this February, Camvac will be explaining the multi-layer laminate benefits and giving away sample pouches of the extreme barrier laminate.

Alongside exhibiting Camfoil, Camvac will also be showcasing its other leading flexible barrier films and laminates. Including its mono-laminate lidding film Extrapet, clear barrier single-web OPP and their market-leading thermal laminate range of packaging films on stand C82 at Packaging Innovations, Birmingham, 15^th & 16^th February, 2023.

As Camvac continues to invest and develop new flexible packaging barrier films, the company is continually seeking new opportunities to partner with likeminded companies and would welcome any opportunity to discuss new partnerships – not only for their extreme barrier films but also their other packaging solutions.

Camfoil Technical Data.

Product Description – Extreme barrier multi-layer laminate

Production Construction – Multi-layer metallised coated laminate
Typical Oxygen Barrier – 0.02 cc/m²/24
Typical Moisture Barrier – 0.03 g/m²/24
Sealant Web – Can be tailored to bespoke end use (PE/PET/CPP/OPP)

Camfoil Key Product Benefits

Same functionality as a foil laminate, without the risk of pin-holing
Provides product safety and extended shelf life
Gas and water vapour barrier equivalent to foil
Improved supply chain resilience through locally sourced raw materials
Sealant web tailored to your bespoke end use (PE/PET/CPP/OPP)
Compatible with existing packaging machinery

Contact Camvac today to request more information and commericial pricing for Camfoil.

Camvac achieves BRC Grade AA Status

The BRCGS Global standard for Packaging Materials was the first packaging standard to be globally recognised by GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) and as such, is a popular packaging standard for those operating within and supplying packaging to the food and drink industry.

Packaging is a fundamental part of any brand. It defines product integrity, security and drives innovation. Consumers are attracted to strong and recognisable products that need to be consistent in size, colour and shape. Packaging is therefore an integral part of the manufacturing process. The Global standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials is the first packaging standard in the world to be recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) bench-marking committee. This is why Camvac works tirelessly to achieve a high standard, year on year.

Our BRCGS standard is just one of a number of standards Camvac works towards so our packaging options are leading in our chosen markets.

Take a look through our Product Range of see for yourself.

Camvac Featured in Business Focus Magazine

Earlier this year, our CEO, Greg Kingham, sat down with Business Focus Magazine Editor and discussed all things Camvac, including the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, raw material supply concerns, Camvac’s unique flexible coating solutions and our most recent investment in a new thermal lamination line.

“Despite tumultuous times, Camvac is at the dawn of an exciting period of growth”.

Camvac Flexible Coating Solutions. Read the full interview below;

Business Focus Magazine is a leading global business magazine directed at high-level executives. The primary objective of Business Focus Magazine is to provide quality coverage of truly inspiring companies who have achieved the highest standard in their field of expertise.

Sustainable Packaging Films Brochure

We’ve recently launched our latest Sustainable Packaging Film Brochure detailing our range of environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging films under our Camvert Range.

Camvac’s packaging film range is constantly developing and evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the consumer. Camvac has invested heavily into technological advances enabling sustainable packaging film solutions to be available across most of our product portfolio. The outcome of these investments is the Camvert Range. These advances have been developed to reduce the packaging material to a level where it does not affect shelf life of the product but is also environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Many of our sustainable packaging products are versatile and are applicable to more than one end use. The Camvert Range includes certified home compostable films, plastic tax compliant PCR laminate structures and recyclable (mon-material) options.

Highlights include;

Camplus Extra MDO PE.

Extremely high barrier machine-direction orientation Polyethylene, PE.

Typical end-uses would be conversion into printed or unprinted mono-film laminates for the snack food market where high gas barrier, aroma barrier and light barrier are all required for extended product shelf-life.

Camclear.

Transparent barrier film.

Camclear is a chlorine-free transparent barrier film and is highly versatile, having excellent oxygen and moisture barrier performance. Camclear is a EVOH alternative barrier film.

Typical end-uses include fresh food packaging, confectionary, snacks, bag-in-box and dried foods.

Camshield T.

Aluminium oxide film.

Where very high barrier protection and enhancement is a must for typical end applications including fresh food packaging, snacks, dried-fruit and confectionary.

ExtraPET PCR.

Over 30% post-consumer recycled barrier lidding film.

ExtraPET PCR has been purposely developed to meet the growing consumer demand for more sustainable lidding film solutions, whilst still providing Camvac’s high gas barrier performance, both OTR and MVTR as required for MAP and CAP packaging applications. Available in either peel or weld seal laminate structures, the mono-material lidding film has been designed to offer excellent sealing properties and exceptional barrier performance. Whilst guaranteeing the film appearance is not hampered using food contact approve PCR grade base webs.

Click the following link to discover our latest Camvert range; Sustainable Packaging Film Brochure

Camvac News

The points of differentiation between Camvac and other metallisation companies originate from its broad market presence and a deep understanding of barrier technology.