GUALAPACKGROUP - PRE-MADE FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
The GualapackGroup is the world leader in pre-made flexible packaging solutions with a spout and cap, and a key player in the multi-layer laminates’ market. Its diversified business starts at Safta S.p.A., an Italian converter of flexible packaging, well-known for the quality of its films and for its tailor-made packaging solutions, that produces the laminate reels to Guala Pack S.p.A.; the latter in turn manufactures its Cheerpack® spouted pouches, and a wide choice of Stand-Up pouches for dry, fresh or retort products, beverages, health and beauty applications. The production of a complete range of filling machines for Cheerpack® and a global co-packer network integrates the offer of the Group.
Global Network
The Group boasts a global presence with manufacturing plants in Italy (3), Romania (1), Costa Rica (1), Ukraine (1), Brazil (1), joint ventures (2 in China and 1 in the USA), and one historical partnership with the Japanese company Hosokawa Yoko Co. Ltd.
Manufacturing processes & Products
Stage 1 Distinguishedfor its longstanding expertise and advanced know- how,Safta is vertically integrated from polyolefin extrusion to laser scoring of the final reels.
Safta is the first step in the GualapackGroup supply chain, as it produces the reels of multi-layer films through extrusion of polyethylene film, repro-work and engraving, rotogravure printing, lamination, reel slitting and laser scoring. Safta builds film structures for a great variety of customers, resisting to hot filling or pasteurization running at full speed on the fastest filling lines. Its technological integration provides for qualitative-controlled supplies, production monitoring as a quality assurance process, and an advanced innovation capacity.
The quality of its multi-layer laminates, and its customised and advanced packaging solutions for nearly all food segments,pet food, cosmetics, pharma and medical products are renowned. Itsthree or four layer laminates ensure a longer shelf life, easy opening and handling features, as well as high barrier to protect from to gas, moisture or light, available with Alu or Alu-Free for microwave oven products.
Its range of products covers even complex structures (up to five layers) that can be used for critical applications such as vacuum packaging, chemical or mechanical resistance, hot filling or sterilization.
Stage 2 At Guala Pack then the production focuses on the making of spouted pouches Cheerpack® CP, stand-up pouches Cheerpack® DP and PepUp®, through its innovative technologies, and injection moulding of caps and straws. Its pre-made pouches’ offer has recently increased with Tradbor, the latest Group’s investment in Brazil. Guala Pack manufactures a wide variety of packaging solutions with specific features and equipment according to products and filling processes ranging from baby food, fruit puree, yogurt and dairy packaging, beverage and drink packaging, sauces and condiments, health and beauty applications. The range of products is safe, easy to use and manage, suitable for long shelf life, hygienic and versatile with patented anti-choking caps, ideal for both children and adults.
The new packaging solution in the company is PepUp®, the pre-made ultralight and convenient pouch for liquids and pastes that offers an innovative and self-closing system
Stage 3 The Gualapack System offers also an array of filling machines for Cheerpack® CP and Cheerpack® DP with specific features and equipment depending on the product and the filling process required. Its packaging system provides a complete spectrum of filling lines for direct investments, and a global co-packers’ network. It engineers and manufactures filling machines for end customers, or equipment for internal use, with the installation and product support at the customer’s facility. The range goesfrom pilot machines, specific for the test phase, to intermediate and/or high-rate filling systems configured for different types of heat-treatments.
Innovation & Sustainability
At the GualaPackGroup, innovation is synonymous of vision, passion, collaboration and technological integration. Over the years, the Group has been investing in R&D,developing new innovative projects as materials and shapes have to meet customized requirements that often result in the innovative packaging, both in form of caps and for the types of laminates.
Hence, it is also through the “NEXT project”, that the Group strives to reduce the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes thanks to innovative eco-friendly packaging solutions and sustainable production system.
Within the GualapackGroup, Safta has been ahead of both competitors and legislation on sustainability by offering to the market a range of cutting-edge sustainable laminates like LamiNEXT® compostable and LamiNEXT® bio-based. Whereas the CheerNEXT is the newest bio-based premade pouch by Guala Pack made of laminate, spout and cap in bio-based polyethylene, derived from renewable sources.
Unsurprisingly over the years, all companies within the GualaPackGroup have obtained a series of certifications, ensuring the best qualitative and safety standards in flexible packaging.
