Maped erasers receive transparent paper packaging through local cooperation

26 Jul 2023 --- Stationery brand Maped is collaborating with Ahlstrom and Adapa to introduce a transparent flowpack solution for eraser packaging. The three companies have developed fiber-based window packaging using Ahlstrom’s Cristal base paper.

Cristal is described as a flexible paper with various levels of transparency, providing an alternative to plastic films for all-paper packaging solutions. It is manufactured from natural cellulose fibers but offers the same functionality and durability as conventional plastic packaging, Ahlstrom details.

The fiber-based material provider informs Packaging Insights that the portions of the value chain that contributed to this collaboration were: Ahlstrom for Cristal base paper technology, Adapa as the packaging converter and Maped as the end-use brand owner.

“The entire process, from paper production to conversion, is 100% made in France,” explains Chloé Romanet, product manager for Maped.

The companies could reduce the amount of material used by working locally. “When working with regional suppliers who offer sustainable practices, our overall product footprint is reduced through this collaborative value chain,” says Romanet.

Paper-based packaging is gaining traction in a bid for environmental sustainability.

Transparent fibers
Franck Caresmel, head of the Fresh Food France sales unit at Adapa, elaborates that the converter found a fiber-based solution with Ahlstrom’s Cristal, printed and laminated against a thin biaxially-oriented PP layer locally in France.

“At Adapa, we rethink packaging in close cooperation with our customers in order to implement more sustainable alternatives,” he says. “In the case of Maped, we were able to fulfill their requirement for a transparent paper-based packaging while moving from a classic blister pack to a flowpack.”

Furthermore, Guillaume Lavoue, product manager at Ahlstrom, illustrates that the collaboration exemplifies the company’s shared dedication to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices.

“By offering a transparent paper alternative, we empower companies and consumers to find fiber-based alternatives for traditional plastic or film substrates without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics.”

“Collaboration and an open innovation mindset are critical to our ‘From Plastic to Purpose’ strategy and our mission to ‘Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World.’ We find success is achieved through active and open partners like Maped and Adapa, who enable innovation across the entire supply chain,” Lavoue comments.

Fiber-based gains
Paper-based packaging is gaining traction in a bid for environmental sustainability.

Recently, Mondi invested €16 million (~US$17.8 million) in a technology to create a new packaging range, FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate, for food and non-food applications, designed to be recyclable in paper waste streams across Europe while providing product protection.

“End-consumers believe paper to be the most environmentally friendly packaging material, especially compared to unrecyclable aluminum or plastic-based solutions,” Dirk Gabriel, chief operations officer for Consumer Flexibles at Mondi, told Packaging Insights.

Meanwhile, Amcor expanded its paper-based F&B packaging to Latin America. Walki and Rovema designed a paper pouch for confectionery to replace plastic.

By Radhika Sikaria

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