The demand for high-performance food packaging films continues to evolve, pushing processors to seek more advanced, efficient, and sustainable production technologies. At the forefront of this transformation is Macro Engineering, a recognized leader in customized extrusion solutions. Its Quadex™ Series of Coextrusion Barrier Biax Film Lines delivers the technology needed to produce premium multilayer barrier films for demanding food packaging applications, including meat, cheese, poultry, sausage casing, ready-meal packaging films, and shrink bags.
Meeting the Growing Need for Customized Film Solutions
Today’s packaging manufacturers require films with precisely engineered properties such as superior strength, enhanced barrier performance, exceptional clarity, and optimized shrink characteristics. Standard solutions often do not meet these requirements, increasing the demand for flexible extrusion technologies tailored to specific product and market needs.
Macro Engineering’s Advanced Quadex™ Technology
Macro Engineering has built a strong reputation for innovation in extrusion technology, with its patented Quadex™ film lines offering a wide range of multilayer and monolayer configurations. Designed specifically for biaxially oriented film production, the system incorporates Macro’s proprietary tube calibration technology, utilizing water-based quenching and sizing to ensure accurate cooling and stabilization of the primary tube.
A key advantage of the Quadex™ platform is its ability to make calibration adjustments during operation, minimizing downtime and reducing material waste during product changeovers. Available in both Quadex™-2B (two-bubble) and Quadex™-3B (three-bubble) configurations, the technology enables processors to manufacture films incorporating a variety of barrier materials, including EVOH, PA, and PVdC. Each line also features a gauge randomizing system ahead of winding, ensuring consistent film quality and superior roll formation.
Supporting the Shift Toward Future-Ready Packaging Structures
As the packaging industry explores alternatives to traditional PVdC-based structures, Macro is expanding its development capabilities with a new biaxially oriented multi-bubble laboratory line dedicated to shrink film applications.
“We've received inquiries from producers who are evaluating the future of PVdC and considering whether portions of the shrink film market may transition to EVOH-based structures,” says Dr. Karen Xiao, VP of Technology at Macro. “We have already developed extrusion lines capable of processing both PVdC and EVOH materials.”
The new laboratory system is specifically designed to support development of nylon-based, EVOH-based, and mono-material film structures. This allows processors to validate more sustainable packaging solutions at pilot scale before seamlessly scaling production to commercial widths.
Engineered for Performance, Efficiency, and Sustainability
Macro’s Quadex™ technology provides film producers with a powerful platform for enhancing productivity, improving product quality, and addressing evolving sustainability goals. With its combination of process flexibility, advanced biax orientation technology, and material versatility, the Quadex™ Series continues to set new standards for high-performance food packaging film production.
For more information, please contact:
Martin Baron, Director of Sales: mbaron@macroeng.com, or +1 (905) 507-9000.
