INNOVATION


Tomorrow’s flexible packaging is starting now

02/07/2024

CATEGORY: Flexible packaging BRAND: SAPPI


Sappi Europe’s innovative barrier coating machine is driving the development of next-generation functional papers


As a global leader in paper-based packaging solutions and always at the forefront of innovation, paper manufacturer Sappi Europe continues to pioneer the shift towards sustainability.

 

The company is offering the industry’s most extensive portfolio of functional packaging papers with a focus on compelling alternatives to multi-layer material and plastic packaging.

 

Sappi supports its partners – brand owners, converters and printers – by ensuring product safety and compliance with stringent packaging regulations, while promoting the circular economy.

 

As a result of Sappi Europe’s investment in a new barrier coating machine at its Alfeld site, Germany, the manufacturer’s next-generation functional papers are ready to meet rigorous future requirements.

 

 

Image: Sappi Europe

 

  • Sappi’s barrier papers are designed to replace non-recyclable materials
  • They guarantee product safety for both
  • Sappi’s functional papers incorporate over a decade of expertise in barrier technology
  • New barrier coating machine in Alfeld reflects the company’s commitment to innovation

 

For over a decade, Sappi has been at the forefront of the functional papers market, developing effective alternatives to conventional multilayer and plastic packaging. The company’s extensive range of barrier papers is conceived to replace non-recyclable materials such as paper-film laminates and extrusion-coated papers – providing flexible, innovative solutions to address the most diverse packaging requirements.

 

Image: Sappi Europe

 

Sappi’s papers feature integrated barriers – depending on the application, with high, medium or low-barrier properties – against oxygen, water vapor, grease, aroma, mineral oil and with added heat-sealability. This ensures that the quality of food and non-food products is preserved – whether they are packed in sachets, flow-wraps, pillow bags, doypacks or stand-up pouches. As the world pursues its search for sustainable packaging alternatives, Sappi remains dedicated to developing solutions that not only meet but exceed the evolving demands of both the market and the environment. “Our functional papers, including the Guard, AvantGuard, and Seal product families, reflect more than a decade of expertise in barrier technology,” confirms René Köhler, Director Paper & Packaging Solutions at Sappi Europe. “The recent addition of products such as Guard OHS, Guard ICC, Guard Twist and Seal Light illustrates our ongoing commitment to lead by innovation.”

 

Leading by innovation

“Sappi’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is embodied by our continuous investment in technology and product development,” adds René Köhler. “Our recent multi-million euro investment in a new barrier coating machine in Alfeld, Germany, not only boosts our production capacities, it also enhances our ability to introduce groundbreaking products to the market and expand our portfolio of next-generation functional papers.”

 

The Alfeld mill now produces various barrier paper products, ranging from 44g/m² to 120g/m², available in different finishes such as Natural, Silk, and Gloss of the printing side. This includes Sappi’s low, medium and high barrier and heat sealable papers. Many other products in different phases of development are currently in the process.

 

Image: Sappi Europe

 

Sappi is a leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, Sappi is building a more circular economy by making what it should, not just what it can. Its raw materials offerings (including dissolving pulp, wood pulp and biomaterials) and end-use products (packaging papers, specialty papers, graphic papers, casting and release papers, forestry products) are manufactured from woodfibre sourced from sustainably managed forests and plantations. Many of Sappi’s production facilities use internally generated bioenergy, enabling many of its operations to be energy self-sufficient. Sappi produces 5.5 million tons of paper, 2.6 million tons of paper pulp, 1.5 million tons of dissolving pulp per year. Globally, it has over 12,000 employees, 400,000 ha of owned and leased sustainably managed forests in South Africa. Sappi Limited (JSE) is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa with manufacturing operations across three continents and sells its products in more than 150 countries.

 

www.sappi.com

 

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