Skymark Packaging International was setup in 1987 by its current directors to offer innovative packaging solutions on a "just in time"basis. Skymark was to extrude, print and convert quality polyethylene products principally for form fill seal (FFS) applications and point of sale products

Skymark has grown to become the Largest Independent Integrated Manufacturer of Packaging Solution (Extrusion, Printer, Lamination, Coating and Conversion) in the UK. Skymarks steady growth has been firmly rooted in its continuous programme of investment, in human resources, strategic expansion, modern equipment and innovative materials capable of meeting the changing needs of its customers. This has enabled the company to build an enviable reputation within its primary markets.

Operating from three purpose built plants, one in Leominster (Herefordshire), one in Ilkeston (Derbyshire) and one in Scunthorpe (North Lincolnshire), totalling over 200,000 sq ft under cover, Skymark extrudes a combined total of 20,000 metric tonnes of a variety of LD, MD, LLDPE, HD, PP and Metallocene blends to produce speciality mono and co-extruded blown film structures, plus 5-layer co-extruded cast speciality films of up to 2.4 metres wide, which utilises both embossed and flat cast production capabilities. Cast embossed polyethylene back-sheets for the hygiene and personal care markets, flat cast PP films for the bakery and produce markets and several PP and LDPE films form part of Skymark's speciality range. Other specialised bespoke structures are our Vinyl-Substitute Glove-film, which is developed either in anticipation of, or in response to product initiatives in the personal hygiene and medical products markets. Our latest successful development, Skyair® Monolithic (Hydrophilic) Breathable Membranes for the medical, hygiene, textile and construction markets.

With 8 printing presses, Skymark's combined printing output capacity is over 65 million meters a month on a range of substrates including PE, OPP, Laminates and Paper. Our range of 8-colour flexo presses are designed for narrow-web sleeve work to wide web print which features the latest developments in colour technology, and a new generation; 6-colour press incorporating repeats of up to 1400mm and web widths up to 1650mm. This press has already opened up significant new opportunities for the company and makes Skymark one of the very few Converter/Printers in the UK flexo market with such a wide-ranging printing capability.

Skymark is also currently involved in development work on new revolutionary new EB curing flexo press technology which embraces the very latest ink-to-plate technology. As the market for "Gravure Quality - Printed Flexo" continues to expand, and new challenges present themselves in the markets it serves, Skymark will continue to respond positively to these developments with fresh ideas, more sophisticated technology and an unwavering determination to succeed.

Skymark Performance Films (Scunthorpe operation) specialises in the production of cast embossed polyethylene back-sheets for the hygiene and personal care markets, Speciality embossed films for tyre industry, speciality blown films for adhesive industry and EMA films for the Medical industry. Skymark Group acquired this operation from Huntsman Corporation (USA) in 1998. The company operates from a 60,000 sq ft facility on a 7-acre (2.8 hectares) site in Scunthorpe.

Skymark expanded further with the acquisition of McGregor Rutland Limited at Ilkeston in Dec of 2000. This operation was renamed to Skymark Packaging Solutions Ltd, and operates from a 40,000 sq ft purpose-built plant and 15,654 sq ft of annexed offices and workshops on a 3.85 acres (1.56 hectares) site in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. The product range includes plain mono and co-ex films, plain and printed bags and pouches, recovery and recycling activities (Accredited UK Recycling Operation). Skymark Packaging Solutions Ltd is amongst only a few of the British blown film extruders who are approved to ISO 9001 and have achieved Royal Society of Health Food Industry Accreditation (March 1995).