Sappi
Mastering the packaging challenges of today and tomorrow

The last interpack took place six years ago – a long time in the packaging industry. A time that Sappi has used to significantly expand its portfolio of packaging papers and equip its production facilities with new, state-of-the-art technologies. Under the motto "Futureproof", the manufacturer is underlining its position as the world's leading supplier of recyclable packaging materials made from renewable materials.

As Marco Eikelenboom, CEO of Sappi Europe, explains: "Increasingly, our customers are not only keen but also legally obliged to use sustainably produced and recyclable materials for the packaging of their products. The expectation for sustainable packaging is increasing not only among manufacturers but also among consumers. We have invested in our sites to be able to react quickly and flexibly to current and future market demands and to further consolidate our position as a premium supplier of wood fibre-based packaging papers and boards."

Two new barrier papers from the Guard family

Sappi has invested a multi-million euro sum in a completely new type of barrier coating line at its plant in Alfeld, Germany, which was recently commissioned together with a dedicated coating kitchen and an automatic transport system. The state-of-the-art solution is used for the production of innovative high-barrier papers. New product samples will be presented at the fair.

Sappi will also present two new papers from the Guard product family: the high barrier paper Guard HS, which ensures excellent product protection thanks to its strong water vapour barrier and heat sealing properties, and Guard Twist, a paper with an integrated barrier for twisting applications in the food industry, which can be used for example as confectionery packaging.

Also brand new in the functional paper packaging segment is Sappi's Seal Light product, a sealable paper without barriers, which will be presented for the first time in the Nature version with a basis weight of 45g/m² and in the Gloss version with a basis weight of 55g/m². The paper is intended for primary and secondary packaging.

Transparent paper and new uncoated flexible packaging paper

In addition to the functional papers, Sappi is introducing other new papers for flexible packaging. With Crystalcon, the company presents an uncoated and compostable transparent paper that is suitable for both food and non-food applications. It is transparent enough to make the packaged product visible and can be used as a sustainable alternative to film. Potential applications range from pasta or rice packaging to magazines, viewing windows for envelopes and sales packaging for greeting cards. In addition, Sappi will launch a new uncoated paper for flexible packaging. The paper's matt look and incomparable feel are in line with the trend towards a more natural look for flexible packaging.

Parade Label Pro label paper with new basis weights

Of course, Sappi will also be presenting its successful Parade Label Pro wet-glue label paper – the single-sided, double-coated, glossy wet-glue label paper with a high degree of whiteness that enables outstanding printing and finishing results. The paper is suitable for all common wet-glue labelling applications such as wrap-around labels for disposable bottles, cans and jars, and also for flexible packaging applications such as chocolate wrappers.

Fusion Topliner with embossing

Sappi has also expanded the portfolio of its Fusion Topliner product. The double-coated, bright white virgin fibre liner features excellent surface quality and strength. Its white surface ensures brilliant colour reproduction. Fusion Topliner was specially developed by Sappi for use on corrugated board and solid poplar laminates.

From the board sector, Sappi will be showing a selection of reference packaging from its high-quality Algro Design portfolio. The virgin fibre board is characterised by its high brilliance and silk matt feel and is ideal for high-quality packaging applications in the perfume, cosmetics and confectionery sectors.

"The Sappi team is looking forward to welcoming visitors back to our stand to inform them about our innovations and introduce them to the products of the future. These events also offer the opportunity for inspiring conversations that help us and our customers to work together on the innovations of tomorrow," says Marco Eikelenboom.

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