Etiplast S.A., a converter in the Central American packaging industry, has just taken delivery of a brand-new Nilpeter FA-22 flexo press. The move not only expands Etiplast’s production capabilities but also reinforces its position as one of the region’s top suppliers of high-quality packaging solutions.

Based in Costa Rica and active across Central America and beyond, Etiplast has built a reputation over the past 30 years for delivering flexible, reliable, and technically advanced packaging materials. With this latest investment, the company continues to raise the bar, it says.

The FA-22, Nilpeter’s flagship flexo platform, adds a new dimension to Etiplast’s portfolio. The company is known for its high level of automation, user-friendly operation, and enhanced print quality, too. The FA-22 will allow Etiplast to better serve existing customers while expanding into new segments and applications.

Powering flexible packaging

The new press is specifically configured for flexible packaging. One of the first applications will be coffee bags – a key market in the region. This is why the press has been equipped with solvent units to laminate inline. Etiplast also plans to target the growing shrink sleeves segment, using white ink in solvent. Although the press is fully capable of running label production, the main focus will remain flexible packaging.

Currently, Etiplast operates two Nilpeter FA-14 presses at high occupancy, producing tape for the agroindustrial sector. The plan is to shift part of that workload to the new FA-22. Therefore, Etiplast will free up capacity on its FA-14s for additional label production. Etiplast is already recognized for producing tape for fruit packaging. The company is known throughout the industry for its innovation and development in this specialized segment.

“For us, it’s about staying ahead,” says Adolfo Madrigal, operations manager at Etiplast. “We’re always looking to offer our customers more – more flexibility, better efficiency, and greater consistency. This new press allows us to do exactly that.”

Juan Pablo Patino Arevalo, Nilpeter’s regional sales manager, welcomes the continued collaboration, saying “It’s a real honor to continue the strong partnership we’ve enjoyed with Etiplast for many years. The new FA-22 gives them some truly unique possibilities in their market, and we’re excited to be part of the journey.”