Simply Cartons enables foil board recycling with luxury aesthetic coating
27 Jan 2021 --- UK-based Simply Cartons is launching EnviraMet, a recyclable foil designed as an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional metalized board.
The product – called EnviraMet – removes the plastic laminate on metalized board and replaces it with a coating, allowing cartons to be recycled in normal household streams.
Unlike traditional metalized materials, there is no need to add white print, allowing for multiple metallic colors within a single printing pass, which can give a competitive edge over hot foil stamping, the company says.
PackagingInsights explores EnviraMet’s benefits and applications with Craig Mather, Simply Cartons CEO.
“The design brief for EnviraMet was to retain the benefits and luxurious appearance of metalized board while being fully recyclable,” describes Mather.
“This meant the full range of traditional applications had to be achievable and at the same time be cost-effective and easy for customers to make the switch.”
Without the need for white print, EnviraMet enables multiple metallic colors within a single printing pass.
E-commerce opportunities
Lead times for customers are reduced significantly with EnviraMet by eliminating the need for offline processes.
Moreover, the product boasts the flexibility to go from full out foil sheets to intricate logos, overcoming design constraints.
“E-commerce packaging, which in the current climate is one of the greatest branding opportunities for our customers, can now benefit from the luster and vibrancy of EnviraMet foiling,” outlines Mather.
“Not only this, but it can maintain its 100 percent recyclability claims. Simply Cartons has an 8 color + 2 coat press, which allows for an unlimited array of metallic colors and design possibilities.”
Applications galore
With numerous applications in mind for the cosmetics, fragrance, food and drink, horticulture, and health and beauty markets, EnviraMet will be produced in-house following a £500,000 (US$685,000) Simply Carton investment.
“EnviraMet is currently being used in health and beauty, fragrance, luxury drinks, confectionery and food markets. Its potential for our customers is endless and we’re already beginning to see our EnviraMet product shining on shelves today,” shares Mather.
“We are already in a position to supply EnviraMet to our current and potential customers throughout the UK and Europe. We are currently working on enquiries from customers further afield in America, Australia and South Africa.”
Developed by the company’s in-house innovation center, EnviraMet is the second “green” product launched in 2020 as part of a sustainability program reaching every part of the organization.
EnviraMet removes the plastic laminate on metalized board and replaces it with a coating, allowing board to be recycled in household streams.
No end to innovation
Simply Cartons’ commitment to a greener future includes developing new products such as EnviraMet and EnviraCoat, establishing key partnerships within the supply chain and investment in solar panel technology.
“We’re always working on the next project. Whether this be new product development, innovation in construction or the continued improvement of existing products,” explains Mather.
‘Take our EnviraCoat barrier coating for example – we now have multiple variations of this product, each suitable for a different application depending on market sector and end-use.”
“I have no doubt that EnvriaMet will follow suit, with new possibilities emerging as our team continues to push its boundaries. We are, in fact, working on the use of recycled pulp within EnviraMet at the moment, further improving its sustainability credentials,” he concludes.
Simply Cartons works with brands in the health and beauty, confectionery, beverage, and food and gifting markets, providing a complete end-to-end service, including design, manufacture and distribution.
The firm recently expanded to its third site, a 3000 sqm facility at its base in Nottingham.
By Joshua Poole
