Paper power: Coveris and B&B Paper Solutions steal show at FachPack with PaperBarrier Seal launch

28 Sep 2021 --- Coveris and Austrian paper manufacturer Brigl & Bergmeister (B&B Paper Solutions) are launching a recyclable paper pouch with the same functionality and product safety as conventional plastic alternatives at FachPack 2021. 

The PaperBarrier Seal also minimizes packaging and product waste in support of Coveris’ No Waste strategy. The paper is designed to maintain runnability with standard packaging equipment.

PackagingInsights discusses the innovation from the show floor with Bernhard Mumelter, group innovation manager at Coveris, and Christian Kolarik, president for flexibles at Coveris.

“The goal was to give the paper a different life, offering properties that a fiber-based solution by its nature cannot offer, giving barriers against oxygen, moisture and mineral oils,” explains Mumelter.

“Designing the paper in the right way enables a good palpability, a smooth surface while the right pulpings give the properties.”

Barrier range
Coveris and B&B Paper Solutions have developed three basic versions of the PaperBarrier Seal. The partners were advised by Rafra Consulting during the project.

“One barrier is designed for moisture barrier applications. Another solution is an oxygen barrier mainly designed for oxygen, grease and mineral oil barrier. Meanwhile, a combination of both barriers – the ‘all-solution’ – provides the oxygen, moisture and mineral oil barriers and grease resistance,” continues Mumelter.The PaperBarrier Seal minimizes packaging and product waste in support of Coveris’ No Waste strategy.

Initial focus: Dry food
Kolarik confirms the solution’s initial focus is on dry foods, but indicates many more applications are feasible.

“You have to launch this paper into the market and create attention. Dry food can mean dried fruits, confectionery, cereals, noodles, pasta, rice,” he says.

“Over time we will learn which other applications are of interest with this material. The potential is high. There will be learnings for ourselves and our customers.”

On show at FachPack
Visitors at FachPack 2021 can experience first-hand the innovative paper-based packaging material, made unique by its special paper coating, enabling sealability while still remaining fully recyclable in existing paper streams.

The material is available in three versions offering different barrier properties, including moisture, oxygen, grease, and mineral oils.

Offering the same product protection as plastic alternatives, PaperBarrier Seal additionally ensures comparable production efficiencies as standard packaging solutions.

“Thanks to the support of our colleagues at Coveris’ Pack Innovation Centre in Halle, we successfully tested the new paper material on standard VFFS and HFFS packaging lines and confirmed a production speed up to 200 products per minute,” adds Mumelter.

“This proves that the new PaperBarrier Seal solution can add real value to food brands looking for sustainable packaging alternatives that boost their product visibility on the shelves.”

By Joshua Poole, reporting from FachPack 2021 in Nuremberg, Germany