Advanced metallization technology and intelligent process control for high-performance barrier papers for packaging applications
Lecta has commissioned a new metallizing line, Leitzaran, at its mill in Leitza (Navarra, Spain), developed in collaboration with BOBST, a global technology leader in equipment for packaging production.
Named Leitzaran in tribute to the river that runs alongside the Leitza mill, the new metallizing line reflects both the strong connection between the site and its surrounding environment and the long-standing technological collaboration between Lecta and BOBST, which has spanned more than 30 years.
Operational since February 1, 2026, the installation represents a significant industrial milestone, delivering higher metallizing capacity and enabling greater consistency, efficiency and scalability in metallized paper production.
The Leitzaran line, is the third BOBST metallizer installed at the Leitza mill, the EXPERT K5 2450mm metallizer has been specifically designed and configured for Lecta. The project highlights the strong technological partnership between the two companies and Lecta’s long-term commitment to strengthening its industrial capabilities in metallized paper manufacturing.
The new installation incorporates advanced BOBST technologies designed to enhance process control, product consistency and operational performance. Its key features include:
- Higher metallizing capacity
- First installation equipped with BOBST iMA (Intelligent Metallizer Assistant), unique to BOBST, the system enables automatic control of the deposition process
- BOBST AluBond® innovative technology to enhance aluminium layer adhesion on any substrate and improves the barrier properties of paper
- Greater precision in aluminium layer control
- Higher production speeds and the largest coating window in the industry
The system also offers enhanced production flexibility, supporting paper widths of up to 240 cm and basis weights from 35 to 300 g/m². Combined with advanced metallization technologies, it improves process efficiency and enables the reliable production of high-performance barrier papers for a wide range of packaging applications.
“The commissioning of the Leitzaran metallizing line marks an important milestone for the Leitza mill,” said Igor Iceta, Mill Director at Lecta’s Leitza mill. “It has been a pleasure to collaborate again with BOBST on this project. The new metallizer enhances process control, operational efficiency and production flexibility. The integration of technologies such as AluBond® and BOBST iMA enables the consistent production of high-performance metallized barrier papers for demanding packaging applications.”
This investment supports the continued development of Lecta’s metallized paper portfolio. Over the past two years, the company has significantly expanded its range of metallized paper solutions, particularly for flexible packaging, while maintaining a strong and competitive wet-glue and label portfolio, offering converters and brand owners greater flexibility and continuity across multiple packaging segments.
The metallized paper market is evolving toward solutions with higher barrier performance, improved process consistency and intelligent automation, while industrial players increasingly demand predictable quality, data-driven process control and long-term operational reliability.
Pedro Bartulos, Technology Sales Manager at BOBST commented “BOBST and Lecta have had a relationship going back many years and we are delighted that they were the first company in the world to have BOBST iMA on their machine. The Leitzaran machine has been specially designed for Lecta and is unique as it has the biggest reel diameter of any EXPERT K5 we have ever produced at 1.5m. We look forward to continuing our relationship for many more years to come.”
The new Leitzaran metallizing line further strengthens Lecta’s ability to support converters and brand owners with reliable, high-performance metallized barrier papers for applications such as flexible packaging and wet-glue labels.
