Simultaneously showcasing a PVC-free decorative PU film for 2D applications called Leaf, slated for release in the coming months, Hexis has now given its worldwide subsidiaries and direct customers across core European nations access to recycling for kraft liner, PET liner, PE liner, and PVC films.

“We are one of the first players in the industry to do this,” said Christophe Inigo, deputy commercial director at Hexis.

“When our customers have big projects, they keep the waste on pallets, and they come back to specific spots in Europe (our partners) and the product ends up as pipe or insulation [or another recycled product].

The service is being used by more than 50 customers in France already.

"And at Fespa we’re launching for all our subsidiaries – I would also like to launch for the Netherlands, the UK, and I think it would also be possible in Belgium.”

At present, subsidiaries and customers in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Scandinavian nations are able to sign up.

“We have already signed contracts with important customers, and now we’re awaiting the waste,” Inigo said.

Also launched at Fespa are a number of new tools and colour options for vehicle wrappers.

In 2022, the car-wrapping business exploded for Hexis, growing by 20%, but remained flat over 2023. 

Inigo was confident that further growth was forthcoming: “The wrapping market is really nice, and will continue to grow: people feel they have to have the perfect products, and want new and different products to their competition.”

Meeting demand for novelty is easy for the manufacturers, who can add colour to white films – but the strongest potential in the market remains, Inigo added, in the protective film business.

“For me, it’s the main market where we must go. We were one of the first manufacturers to produce it, and that’s why we are really high in [market share].”

Hexis already has supplier agreements with transport firms like French railway operator SNCF and the London Underground.