First Barrier Paper Metallizer With BOBST iMA For Royal Vaassen

Royal Vaassen based in the Netherlands, have invested in an EXPERT K5 1650mm for the production of barrier paper; the new machine will be installed in mid-2026 and builds on the longstanding relationship with BOBST which began over 25 years ago. The new machine will enable Royal Vaassen to continue expansion into the growing barrier paper market. Due to sustainability trends in flexible packaging and the move away from plastics, barrier paper is growing in popularity as a viable alternative to traditional plastic based packaging.

The EXPERT K5 will come equipped with the latest BOBST technology including iMA and AluBond. AluBond is an ideal process for barrier paper production as it provides an improved barrier performance against both oxygen and water leading to an extended shelf life. BOBST iMA launched in 2024 is a major breakthrough in machine integrated process expertise and is unique in the vacuum metallizing industry. An innovative vision system allowing the operator to view the evaporator boats on dedicated screens mounted on the metallizer chamber. With software powered by AI, mapping and controlling the size of the aluminium pool which is usually done by a highly skilled operator is done automatically.

As part of this project, Royal Vaassen have worked collaboratively with BOBST, conducting various trials and developing prototypes in the dedicated barrier Competence Centre at Bobst Manchester. Working together in this way has helped to accelerate time to market for Royal Vaassen.

The new machine will sit alongside, their first BOBST metallizer purchased back in 1999 which is used for the production of decorative paper and is still in production today thanks to a full upgrade back in 2022 which overhauled the machine and brought its software and systems up to date increasing efficiency and improving the production process.

Commenting on the new investment, Dries Knaapen, Managing Director at Royal Vaassen said “We have a relationship with BOBST going back many years. Our first machine from 1999 is still going strong today, boosted by the full upgrade we had in 2022, it is like a new machine. With the installation of the EXPERT next year, we will be able to increase production of barrier paper and we are excited to see how BOBST iMA can help to make the production process easier”

Royal Vaassen was formed back in 1867 and has grown from a family company to an international producer of paper and aluminium packaging materials and serves sectors including food, medical and cosmetics in over 50 countries around the world.