Sappi Europe’s new barrier coating machine to develop next-generation functional papers

Sappi Europe has taken a lead in functional paper development with an investment in a new barrier coating machine.

René Köhler, director Paper & Packaging Solutions at Sappi Europe spelt out the importance of the technology when he said Sappi’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is embodied by its continuous investment in technology and product development.

Köhler added: “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 ground-breaking products to the market and expand our portfolio 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.

• Sappi’s barrier papers are designed to replace non-recyclable materials
• They guarantee product safety for both food and non-food products
• 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 solutions to address the most diverse packaging requirements.

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,” confirmed René Köhler. “The recent addition of products such as Guard OHS, Guard ICC, Guard Twist and Seal Light illustrates our ongoing commitment to lead by innovation.”

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.

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