A NEW multi-million pound ‘waste-reducing’ food wrap plant in Winsford is the first of its kind in the UK.

Coveris Winsford’s new vacuum skin packaging (VSP) plant officially opened on Thursday, September 19, after a five-month refit and expansion programme at the company’s Road One site.

VSP has a unique, skin-like appearance when around foodstuffs like fish and meat, and delivers up to 28 days shelf-life for food, helping to extend freshness and reduce waste.

Mid Cheshire’s new MP, Andrew Cooper, opened the new plant alongside members of the leadership team and employee involved with the development and operating of the new facility.

Andrew spent four hours at Coveris and completed a full tour of the manufacturing facilities and specialist Film Science Lab, learning how packaging is produced and validated, and its protective, shelf-life enhancing and functional role.

The visit also included discussion about Coveris’ commitment to its ‘No Waste’ sustainability strategy, including packaging, operations, and company culture.

Pictured (L-R): Jessica Weaver (Coveris Marketing & Communications Manager), Mike Richardson (Coveris Winsford Technical Director), Andrew Cooper MP, Sujoy Bose (Coveris Winsford Managing Director) and Steve O’Hare (Coveris Winsford Operations Director)Pictured (L-R): Jessica Weaver, Coveris marketing and communications manager; Mike Richardson, technical director; Andrew Cooper MP; Sujoy Bose, managing director; Steve O’Hare, operations director (Image: Coveris) Andrew said: “I was delighted to open the very impressive new conversion hall at Coveris in Winsford.

"It was particularly pleasing to see Coveris’ commitment to sustainability in finding sustainable solutions to plastic packaging.

"I am also very pleased the company is investing in its Winsford site, and I look forward to seeing the manufacturer continue to go from strength to strength here in Mid Cheshire.”

Sujoy Bose, Coveris Winsford’s managing director, said: “On behalf of the Coveris Winsford team, thank you to Andrew Cooper for officially opening our new VSP conversion hall.

“This is a significant investment for the site and an exciting opportunity for us to grow as the UK’s only producer of vacuum skin packaging.

“We were also proud to showcase the advancements we are making in support of our No Waste strategy, including our award-winning sustainable packaging innovations and projects to drive down waste and operate more efficiently, driven by the dedicated team at Coveris Winsford.”