Expanding production capacity through simultaneous biaxial orientation technology to strengthen the worldwide availability of sustainable packaging solutions.
TOPPAN Inc., a member of the TOPPAN Group and wholly owned subsidiary of TOPPAN Holdings Inc. (TYO: 7911), together with its Italian film manufacturing affiliate Irplast S.p.A. (Irplast), has announced the opening of a new production line for high-performance biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films. The milestone was commemorated at an inauguration ceremony held on September 15, 2026.
Background and Objectives
Within its packaging operations, the TOPPAN Group is advancing the development of a global supply network for recycle-ready mono-material packaging. This effort responds to increasingly stringent environmental requirements, including the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), while supporting the shift toward a circular economy.
As a TOPPAN Group company, Irplast is a premium film producer with advanced simultaneous biaxial orientation capabilities. Its specialized technology for controlling thermal shrinkage enables the manufacture of BOPP films with excellent heat resistance, mechanical performance, and clarity.
Once the new line is running alongside the facility’s existing production assets, the site will have the capacity to supply up to 30,000 tonnes of high-performance BOPP films annually. The investment strengthens the TOPPAN Group’s manufacturing footprint, improves production efficiency, and provides a dependable local supply for the growing European and international market for sustainable packaging materials.
Features of the New Manufacturing Line
・Creating High-Value Applications with Simultaneous Orientation Technology:
Films manufactured on the new line achieve consistent physical characteristics and strong dimensional stability through the LISIM1 simultaneous stretching process. Building on these properties, TOPPAN and Irplast will pursue premium packaging applications that must retain their performance in challenging environments, including retort sterilization.
・Lowering Environmental Impact through Package Down Gauging:
The films’ high mechanical strength supports development aimed at “down gauging” (reducing film thickness). By preserving required packaging performance with less material, this approach can progressively reduce plastic usage and contribute directly to resource efficiency and sustainability objectives.
Future Activities
Full-scale commercial production on the new line is scheduled to begin by the end of 2026, with high-performance BOPP films supplied to packaging converters and international brand owners.
Combining Irplast’s expertise in BOPP film production with the TOPPAN Group’s extensive portfolio of technologies and packaging solutions will help extend sustainable offerings across global markets. The films will also support next-generation transparent GL BARRIER2 films while creating further opportunities for high-performance packaging designed to advance circular economy goals.