Extrusion Coating Today and Tomorrow, 1997 Polymers, Laminations & Coatings Conference Proceedings

The development of (co)extrusion coating and laminating technology in nearly fife decades has changed not industry itself, but also the way we live. In USA where everything started in the past - WW II years, the converting extrusion coating industry has grown to employ nearly 100.000 people and participate with more than $20 billion to U. S. gross national product.

In Europe extrusion coating produces about 2000 Ktons/year, with prediction of 3-4% increase till year 2000. Products are made in 130 extrusion coating-converting companies.

· 3 Companies Typical Liquid Packaging
· 4 Companies Typical Photo Coating
· 45 Companies Flexible Packaging
· 75 Companies Services-many applications-Commercial Coaters.

By other words this industry produces with about 260 lines :

·140 single laminator extrusion coating lines
· 120 multi-laminator extrusion and coextrusion lines

Liquid packaging is dominating in this business with 450-480 kT/year, or more than 50% of total market. In order to produce coated substrates converters use significant amount of polymers, about 380 ktons/year, where about 80 % is LDPE, about 10% represents acid copolymers, ionomers and barrier resins . Last 10%, about, are polymers as LLDPE, PP, HDPE, etc.