Sappi starts up new barrier coating line at Alfeld site
Packaging and speciality paper manufacturer Sappi Europe has invested tens of millions of euros in a new facility for the production of innovative high barrier papers - including a completely new type of barrier coating line. Recently commissioned at the Alfeld site in Germany, the in-house solution will produce high-barrier papers for recyclable packaging of food and non-food applications.
- Sappi pioneers recyclable paper-based packaging solutions
- The barrier coating line is a world first
- Invests in continuous barrier coating innovation
- Meets both current and future requirements
Sappi: a proven pioneer in recyclable barrier paper solutions
Sappi has extensive expertise in paper coating technology. For more than 10 years, the company has produced a broad portfolio of packaging papers with integrated barriers against oxygen, grease, water vapour, mineral oil and aromas, as well as heat-sealing properties. These papers provide excellent protection for packaged products.
At a time when the packaging industry is increasingly being challenged by consumers, retailers and legislators to offer sustainable materials and processes, Sappi's long-standing commitment to paper-based, recyclable flexible packaging solutions addresses this megatrend towards more sustainable packaging solutions.
Building on its leading position in barrier papers, Sappi has now invested a double-digit million euro sum in a completely new type of barrier coating line, which was recently commissioned at its Alfeld site.
Marco Eikelenboom, CEO of Sappi Europe, explained how the investment in Alfeld supports Sappi's strategy to establish itself as the market leader in flexible packaging: "We offer brand owners and converters fibre-based, recyclable packaging solutions that enable them to achieve their sustainability goals and contribute to the circular economy".
Secure supply chains and tailor-made solutions
Sappi's customers will benefit from excellent supply capability in the future through increased production capacity and a shorter supply chain. The new coating line is a world first and significantly increases the share of the company's special barrier papers available on the market. The investment also includes a coating kitchen, roll finishing and automated handling system, providing a scalable, high production volume of 300 million m2 and opportunities to develop customised solutions and continuous coating innovations.
The future lies in renewable, recyclable packaging
Different coating technologies can be used on the new machine depending on the need and application. Sappi uses water-based dispersion technology for multi-layer coating of the high barrier papers.
Sappi plans to use its in-house development of coating formulations in the special coating kitchen on the machine in the future. In collaboration with customers, this will enable further alternatives to non-recyclable packaging to be developed for the market, which will benefit both consumers and brand manufacturers.
Launch at interpack
Interested parties can find out more about the new coating machine and the exciting possibilities it offers at interpack, the international trade fair for the packaging industry (Düsseldorf, 4-10 May).
"We are very much looking forward to welcoming brand owners and converters to this important trade fair," says Marco Eikelenboom. "We invite all trade fair visitors to take advantage of our extensive know-how and consulting expertise to jointly develop optimal packaging solutions for their specific applications."
