University of Wales Trinity Saint David (Prifysgol Cymru Y Drindod Dewi Sant) and Coppice Alupack Limited KTP 24_25 R3

A South Wales packaging company is overhauling its aluminium foil production lines to cut waste, improve quality, and secure local manufacturing jobs. The problem is straightforward: Coppice Alupack needs to modernise its systems and processes to stay competitive. Without these changes, the company risks losing business to cheaper overseas suppliers, which would threaten long-term viability and jobs in the region. The project aims to design and introduce improved manufacturing processes that deliver better quality control, greater sustainability, and enhanced production capability. If successful, the impact is primarily local and industrial. Coppice would become a supplier of choice for aluminium foil packaging, securing its place in the supply chain for food, pharmaceutical, and household products that rely on this material. The improvements should reduce material waste and energy use, making the factory more sustainable. For the South Wales economy, the project helps preserve skilled manufacturing jobs and the technical expertise that keeps a traditional industry relevant in a global market. This is applied, practical research with a clear commercial goal—there is no fundamental science component.