Coveris increases paper-based innovation but plastics remain pivotal, says CEO

01 Mar 2022 --- Coveris is increasing its focus on paper packaging solutions but has no intention of withdrawing from the plastics packaging segment, CEO Jakob A. Mosser announced today. The European packaging manufacturer is primarily known for its plastic packaging and film products. 

The company’s Business Unit Paper was set up to showcase its paper-based solutions and developments, responding to the increasing market demand for plastic replacement solutions.

“The environmental aspect and the associated demands from customers played a central role in this decision. Thanks to the strong innovations we have made, paper has become much more versatile in its applications,” says Mosser.

“Thanks to many years of experience with this material and recent truly pioneering product developments, we have become the first port of call in the European market in this regard.”

At FachPack 2021, Coveris revealed it is converting a “potentially revolutionary” new paper into flexible packaging for dry foods to meet the growing demand for recyclable alternatives to plastic-based solutions. Notably, the material’s barrier properties are competitive with plastic, mitigating food waste.

Paper, plastics or both?
Paper is on-trend and the demand for paper-based solutions is steadily increasing. According to Innova Market Insights, the majority of global consumers say they think paper packaging has “good” (36%) or “excellent” (35%) recyclability. 

Coveris says the PaperBarrier Seal could “revolutionize the food market in Europe.”“We have over 30 years of experience in the production of paper packaging and have expanded this business area through investments and acquisitions. All of this is the basis for the innovations that we are launching in the paper sector, such as recyclable paper packaging with very good barrier properties against moisture or grease,” explains Mosser.

However, the new Paper Business Unit – which already accounts for 30% of sales – does not represent a departure from flexible packaging materials and plastic-based films for Coveris. The company says it can offer highly functional and environmentally sustainable packaging solutions based on both plastic and paper.

“Of course, we will continue to set new standards in [environmentally] sustainable plastic packaging as well,” says Mosser. “For example, we recently launched a beverage shrink film that consists of over 80% recycled materials and developed fully recyclable flexible rice packaging for Aldi UK.”

From the CEO’s perspective, the priority for packaging design is finding the most eco-efficient and best-performing packaging for the respective product without any limitations on materials.

Case in point
Coveris has developed two separate sandwich skillets to meet the different shelf life requirements of mainland Europe and the UK. The modified atmosphere RecyclaPEel MAP sandwich skillet – made from fully recyclable cartonboard and PE liner components – is designed to provide extended shelf life for the European food-on-the-move and convenience sectors.Coveris has supported Aldi UK’s own-label circularity goals with recyclable rice packs.

Meanwhile, the RecyclaPaper monomaterial skillet – launched at Lunch! – is an entirely paper-based, recyclable solution featuring a translucent window for product visibility. The solution is designed for products requiring shorter shelf life.

Waste avoidance
Coveris has set itself a “No Waste” vision to avoid product, packaging and operational waste. “Our focus on recyclable and recycled packaging solutions made from a wide range of materials is the logical continuation of our waste prevention strategy,” explains Mosser.

“In addition to the innovations in paper-based solutions, we have many [environmentally] sustainable developments in films and flexible packaging – be it thinner materials, monomaterials, shelf life, use of recyclates or better recyclability. We continuously invest in research and development to further expand our pioneering role in Europe and worldwide.”

Innova Market Insights recently pegged “Monomaterial Mastery” as its second top packaging trend for 2022, highlighting the transition away from hard-to-recycle, multilayer packaging to monomaterial solutions that are recyclable through existing infrastructure.

By Joshua Poole