Diing Kuen shows off benefits of blown film extrusion lines

Diing Kuen, a prominent name in the plastics extrusion industry, has been at the forefront of innovation for over four decades. Known for its ability to provide full-plant solutions and highly customized machinery, Diing Kuen has remained a leader in the field by continuously advancing its technology to meet the evolving needs of various industries. During the 2024 Taipei PLAS exhibition, CEO Eric Wei discussed the company’s latest innovations and shared insights on the current trends in plastics extrusion.

At the heart of Diing Kuen’s showcase were its 5-7 layer film blowing machines, specifically designed for applications such as food vacuum packaging. These machines play a critical role in the manufacturing of high-barrier films, which are essential for preserving food quality and extending shelf life. Mr. Wei emphasized that, while the plastics industry is increasingly focused on reducing its environmental impact, certain materials—like polyamide (PA)—remain irreplaceable in food packaging due to their strength and functionality. In vacuum packaging, PA cannot simply be substituted with polyethylene (PE), as it provides crucial barrier properties against oxygen and moisture. However, Diing Kuen has made significant strides in reducing the thickness of these multi-layer films, cutting it by up to 50% without compromising performance. This not only meets customer expectations for thinner and more sustainable packaging but also enhances recyclability by lowering the overall plastic content.

The company’s efforts to minimize the use of plastics in packaging are a direct response to increasing global demands for environmentally friendly materials. By reducing the thickness of barrier films from 100 microns to as low as 40 microns while maintaining strength and performance, Diing Kuen helps its customers meet sustainability goals without sacrificing quality. This reduction in material usage also leads to cost savings, as manufacturers can achieve the same functionality with fewer raw materials. Furthermore, the precision of Diing Kuen’s equipment has steadily improved, allowing for even more accurate production processes and greater control over material use, ultimately reducing waste and improving efficiency.

In addition to food packaging, Diing Kuen’s thin film technology is used in a wide range of industrial applications. These include waterproofing solutions for tunnels, fish ponds, and landfills. For these applications, film thickness can range from 1mm to 3mm, depending on the specific requirements. In the case of landfill liners, for example, the films must be thick enough to provide a strong barrier against contaminants, yet the production process must remain energy-efficient. Eric highlighted that reducing electricity consumption while maintaining high output is one of the key challenges in the production of industrial films. Diing Kuen has developed machinery that addresses this challenge by optimizing raw material usage and minimizing energy demands, which not only benefits the environment but also reduces operational costs for manufacturers.

The company has also made advancements in the precision of its industrial film production. By improving the accuracy of its machines, Diing Kuen has been able to reduce raw material waste by as much as 3-7%. This is particularly important in industries where the cost of raw materials is a significant factor in overall production costs. The ability to produce films with such high precision also enables manufacturers to create thinner, stronger films that meet the demands of various industries without excessive material usage. This efficiency helps companies stay competitive in a market that increasingly values sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

One of the key innovations showcased by Diing Kuen at Taipei PLAS was its barrier film technology, specifically the 5-7 layer barrier films that are used to provide superior protection against oxygen and moisture. These films are crucial for packaging perishable foods, as they help extend shelf life and maintain product quality. In most cases, a seven-layer film is sufficient to provide the necessary barrier properties, but Diing Kuen is already looking ahead to developing nine-layer films to meet the growing demand for even more advanced packaging solutions. As consumers continue to prioritize sustainability and manufacturers seek to reduce material usage, the ability to produce thinner, high-performance films will become increasingly important.

With regard to market dynamics, Mr. Wei noted that demand for new machinery often follows a cycle, with customers typically making equipment purchases every 2-3 years. The market for Diing Kuen’s machinery is highly diverse, with approximately 20% of demand coming from Latin America. Understanding each customer's specific production needs and the local availability of raw materials is crucial for Diing Kuen when providing tailored solutions. For larger industrial equipment, cost is always a major consideration, and Diing Kuen works closely with its clients to ensure that the machinery it provides is not only technologically advanced but also aligns with the customer’s financial and operational constraints. This emphasis on customization and collaboration has been a cornerstone of the company’s success, as it allows them to offer full-plant solutions that are tailored to each customer’s unique needs.

As Diing Kuen continues to innovate, it is also expanding its technological capabilities through the integration of advanced digital systems. Mr. Wei revealed that the company is planning to implement cloud-based networking systems, ERP systems, and other backend technologies to help customers better manage their production processes. By leveraging big data, Diing Kuen can provide remote analysis and support, allowing customers to monitor and optimize their machinery in real time. This digital transformation not only enhances the efficiency of the production process but also helps prevent downtime by enabling predictive maintenance and more accurate troubleshooting.

Despite these technological advancements, Diing Kuen, like many other manufacturers, has faced challenges related to global supply chain disruptions. Mr. Wei mentioned that delays in the delivery of specialized components, partly due to strikes in Germany, have impacted production timelines. Additionally, rising shipping costs have posed another obstacle. However, Diing Kuen has responded to these challenges by redesigning some of its machinery to be more compact, reducing the amount of material needed and lowering transportation costs. These changes also benefit customers by making the machines easier to install and operate in a variety of settings.

Diing Kuen’s continuous advancements in extrusion technology, combined with its commitment to sustainability and customization, position it as a leader in the plastics manufacturing industry. By reducing plastic usage in both food packaging and industrial applications, the company is helping its customers meet the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions. Its focus on precision, efficiency, and digital integration ensures that Diing Kuen will continue to be a key player in the market for years to come, offering innovative solutions that drive both environmental and economic benefits. For more information, visit: www.diing-kuen.com.tw