Leather, wood and stone-like effects now a reality for plastics packaging

RPC Bramlage, Germany, has introduced a new surface structuring process to create a wide range of tactile, patterned and textured finishes, such as leather, wood, stone and leaves, on plastic containers.

RPC says the variety of eye-catching effects that can be achieved allows companies to create unique branding and valuable on-shelf differentiation in competitive retail markets.

The new technology cannot only reproduce the look of these structures on a container or lid, but using a two-component process can also replicate their touch and feel. The pack itself requires no additional surface treatment or preparation, it added.

In addition, in collaboration with a partner, RPC Bramlage has developed a process that combines In-Mould Labelling (IML) with this new surface-structuring, giving additional opportunities for high-impact decoration incorporating special surface finishes.