Multivac touts paper fiber-based materials as plastic alternatives

26 Jul 2018 --- The reduction of the consumption of packaging and the use of recyclable materials are currently at the top of the agenda in the packaging industry and among consumers. Multivac is touting its PaperBoard line as an alternative range that offers a variety of solutions for the production of packaging based on paper fiber that fully meets recycling requirements, especially in light of the upcoming German Packaging Act regulations and the EU plastics strategy, both geared at countering plastics.

The new German Packaging Act, which will come into force in 2019, and the EU Plastics Strategy, which was adopted in January 2018, are intended to counteract the massive increase in the production of plastics worldwide. The requirements primarily relate to the introduction of a recycling economy for the plastics industry and the reduction of the consumption of plastics.

At Multivac, these topics are not new, as the company explains: “As one of the leaders in the market and technology, we continuously strive towards developing innovative machine concepts and setting new standards in the market for packaging quality and efficiency as well as the conservation of resources and the reduction of packaging. We are also convinced that the use of alternative materials will create further sustainable prospects for the future,” says Valeska Haux, Vice President Corporate Marketing at Multivac.

Multivac PaperBoard: MAP, skin packs
Multivac PaperBoard offers various solutions for the manufacture of packaging from paper fiber-based materials. For example, both MAP and skin packs made from paper fiber-based materials can be implemented on the Multivac systems. The backing material can be processed either as a roll or as a cut sheet; in addition, prefabricated trays can be used. All the materials can be separated into their respective parts by the end user, and the paper backing sent for recycling.

The use of functional layers makes it possible to produce paper-based packs that meet the barrier property requirements of plastic composites. Either the paper backing or the entire paper composite can be sent for recycling; in this regard, countries have different regulations that need to be observed.

Another advantage of paper backings is their wide design range for purposes of printing. This contributes significantly to differentiation at the point of sale. Product data can also be displayed on the paper backing so that large labels can be dispensed with.

Processing cardboard trays, cardboard backing and malleable paper
For the processing of cardboard trays in MAP or skin packs, Multivac offers both thermoforming packaging machines and tray sealers that can be equipped with appropriate modules for the infeed and outfeed of the trays.

In contrast to the trays made of cardboard composites that are processed by the tray sealer and that can be separated by type after use, the trays used for the thermoforming packaging machine are made of mono cardboard. In the thermoforming molding die of the machine, the trays are equipped with a corresponding plastic sealing layer that can then also be separated from the cardboard after use. The output requirements of the packaging solution significantly influence the decision as to the respective ideal system.

Skin packs from cardboard backing can be produced with Multivac thermoforming packaging machines as well as with tray sealers. In contrast to the tray sealer which processes cut cardboard sheets, the thermoforming packaging machine can use material from a roll, which makes this technology far more flexible in respect of the design of the packs. In addition, processing the material from a roll is also significantly more efficient.

Similarly, MAP and skin packs made of malleable paper composites can also be produced. Paper and cardboard composites with different grammages and different functional layers are used. Pack cavities with a depth of up to 20 mm can be produced with the standard version of Multivac thermoforming packaging machines. As with the previously mentioned packs, the materials of this pack can also be separated according to type and the paper backing send for recycling.

In general, Multivac states that it has sufficient experience in the handling of paper-based packs – and will increasingly focus on innovative packaging concepts at future trade fairs.