Huhtamaki (Elif) Eliminates Downtime and Boosts Film Quality with Nordson BKG® Continuous Melt Filtration

Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany – May 4, 2026 – Nordson Corporation (Nasdaq: NDSN), through its Polymer Processing Systems (PPS) division, today announced that Huhtamaki’s Elif division, a global leader in sustainable flexible packaging solutions, has successfully implemented Nordson’s BKG® continuous melt filtration technology to improve blown-film production performance while increasing the use of recycled materials.

As part of its sustainability strategy, Elif set out to increase recycled content in its polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) blown-film applications. However, the variability typically associated with recycled feedstock created significant processing challenges on its extrusion line operating at 350 kg/h. The company experienced frequent production interruptions, elevated waste levels, and visible film defects due to inconsistent melt filtration.

To address these challenges, Elif partnered with Nordson Polymer Processing Systems to evaluate a continuous melt filtration solution designed for demanding blown-film applications.

 

Addressing Downtime and Product Quality Challenges

Elif’s existing discontinuous filtration system proved insufficient for handling fluctuations in melt purity inherent to recycled materials. As a result, the operation faced: 

• Frequent downtime caused by filtration interruptions
• Increased gel content leading to product quality issues
• Reduced operational efficiency and higher material waste
• Limited flexibility in processing varying recyclate qualities

These challenges impacted productivity, commercial output, and the company’s sustainability objectives.

 

Nordson BKG® Continuous Melt Filtration Solution

Nordson provided a BKG® HiCon™ K-SWE-HD/RS continuous melt filter for on-line testing. Installed downstream of a 90 mm extruder and operating at inlet pressures of up to 550 bar, the system delivers filtration fineness between 125 and 150 µm.

The BKG® HiCon™ system offers several performance advantages:

• True continuous filtration, eliminates process interruptions
• Stable melt pressure and temperature ensure consistent film quality
• Robust handling of recycled materials with varying contamination levels
• Reduced waste and improved overall line efficiency
• Proven reliability in high-performance blown-film applications

The system’s advanced backflush technology enables continuous, automated screen cleaning without interrupting production, ensuring stable processing even during contamination peaks.

 

Measurable Performance Gains

Following a short trial period, Elif reported immediate and measurable improvements, leading to the purchase and full implementation of the system.

Key benefits achieved include:

• Elimination of unplanned downtime related to melt filtration
• Increased output of sellable product
• Reduced material waste and improved process efficiency
• Significantly enhanced film quality with minimal gels
• Improved operator safety through fully automated, hands-free operation
• Increased flexibility in processing a broader range of recycled materials

“The introduction of the fully automated self cleaning filter greatly improved our operator safety. With the BKG® HiCon™ K-SWE-HD/RS, we were able to replace manual filter changes on a running machine—which previously posed high safety risks—with an automated, waste free process requiring no operator intervention,” said Karim Saber, Global Senior Manager Extrusion & Recycling Operations.

 

 

Supporting Sustainability and Profitability

By stabilizing extrusion conditions and eliminating filtration-related interruptions, Elif has strengthened both its sustainability performance and operational profitability. The ability to reliably process higher levels of recycled content without compromising quality supports the company’s broader environmental goals.

“This project clearly shows the value of continuous melt filtration when processing recycled materials,” said Frank Thomas, Manager Sales, Nordson BKG®. “By combining automation, process stability, and robust filtration performance, we help customers like Elif achieve their sustainability goals while improving safety, efficiency, and profitability.

 

A Proven Partnership for Advanced Processing Solutions

Elif’s success underscores Nordson Polymer Processing Systems’ commitment to delivering innovative technologies that enable customers to meet evolving market and environmental requirements.

Through advanced melt filtration solutions and deep process expertise, Nordson continues to help manufacturers worldwide optimize production, reduce waste, and achieve both economic and environmental objectives.

 

 

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About Nordson Polymer Processing Systems

Nordson Polymer Processing Systems provides customers with engineered components to melt, homogenize, filter, meter, and give shape to plastic and fluid coating materials. Nordson Corp. leverages the collective plastics industry experience from a series of strategic acquisitions to offer a uniquely broad portfolio of industry-leading technologies.

Nordson delivers a full range of precision melt stream products —from filtration systems, pumps, and valves to the extrusion dies and pelletizing systems to meet the constantly evolving needs of the polymer industry. Nordson provides customers with local technical sales, service, and remanufacturing capabilities through sales organizations and regional manufacturing. To learn more, visit http://www.nordsonpolymerprocessing.com, www.facebook.com/NordsonPPS or https://www.linkedin.com/company/nordson-polymer-processing-systems/.

About Nordson Corporation

Nordson Corporation is an innovative precision technology company that leverages a scalable growth framework to deliver top-tier growth with leading margins and returns. The Company’s direct sales model and applications expertise serves global customers through a wide variety of critical applications. Its diverse end market exposure includes consumer non-durable, medical, electronics and industrial end markets. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, the Company has operations and support offices in over thirty-five countries. Visit Nordson on the web at www.nordson.com, www.twitter.com/Nordson_Corp or www.facebook.com/nordson.