BOBST EXPERT K5 platform drives FAM Ti transition to high-barrier film manufacturing in Canada

The North American flexible packaging sector is witnessing a significant technical upgrade as BOBST deploys its first EXPERT K5 vacuum metallizer equipped with AluBond technology in the region. The installation at FAM Ti Inc. in Canada marks a definitive shift for the company, transitioning its core business model from a traditional film distributor to a specialized manufacturer of high-barrier metallized substrates.

Operating out of a recently expanded 106,000-square-foot facility in Burlington, Ontario, FAM Ti has integrated the 2450mm wide BOBST platform alongside six slitters and a standing inventory of over two million pounds of substrates. The strategic investment addresses a persistent bottleneck in flexible packaging converting: achieving reliable metal adhesion and barrier retention on heat-sensitive polyolefins and biopolymer films.

The proprietary AluBond process deviates from standard surface treatments by chemically altering the web surface during the vacuum deposition phase. This inline engineering establishes covalent interactions between the nucleating aluminum atoms and the polymer chains. For converters, this translates to lamination bond strengths exceeding 2.5 to 3.0 N/15mm on BOPP and up to 4.0 N/15mm on specialty polyolefin films, effectively mitigating the risk of pinhole propagation and layer delamination.

Faisal Younis, Executive at FAM Ti, confirmed that the integration of the EXPERT K5 has provided a critical competitive advantage, allowing the company to meet stringent customer requirements for quality and consistency. The platform's 700mm coating drum—the largest in the industry—and high-rate source ensure uniform deposition across variable web profiles while reducing overall aluminum consumption.

Beyond standard polyolefins, the new machinery unlocks advanced product development capabilities. FAM Ti is actively utilizing the system to formulate metallized PLA (polylactic acid) for industrial applications, aligning with the broader industry push toward mono-material and compostable packaging structures. With the manufacturing infrastructure now fully operational in 2026, the Canadian firm is preparing for a new phase of expansion, targeting both increased North American market share and the initiation of global distribution channels.