KARACHI, July 27: The country’s first Biaxially Oriented Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (BOPET) polyester film production plant, set up by Novatex Ltd at the cost of Rs4.3 billion, has commenced production. Previously BOPET film, which is an essential for many domestic fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries, was being imported.

The Novatex project has been set up with the latest German technology and has an 8.7 metre width having a capacity of 31,000 tons per annum.

The present consumption of BOPET in Pakistan is 16,000 tons and is expected to cross 20,000 tons due to local production and easy availability. Furthermore, Pakistan would not only be self-sufficient in production of BOPET film but would also save $40 million annually in imports.

As a non-traditional item, the manufacturers estimate exports in excess of $30 million per annum.

Production of one type of film grade resin has already started while production of another type is expected to commence shortly. This resin will use PTA which is locally produced by LOTTE PPTA.

BOPET polyester film is a packaging material for storing food related product. It is also used for LCD/LED TV panels, solar films, cable interiors, apparel embellishments and X-ray films.