Smurfit Kappa reduces climate impact with bag-in-box thermo-laminated film
29 Nov 2021 --- Smurfit Kappa’s bag-in-box Ibi facility in Spain is introducing bags with thermo-laminated metalized film for enhanced resource efficiency.
The M-Compact 77 solution uses thermo-lamination technology to bond individual films through exposure to heat without using the adhesives required for classic lamination.
The European corrugated packaging company claims the thermo-lamination technology has resulted in a 12% bag weight reduction and 7% less CO2 emissions, estimated for the 3 L bag format with the Vitop Compact tap.
“We have been developing this film for more than two years, challenging our suppliers, analyzing our film structures and applying our strictest testing protocols,” comments Victor Juan, film manager at Smurfit Kappa Ibi.
“Having full control of the manufacturing processes on all steps, we can guarantee excellent performance of our new metal bags on production lines, supply security and efficient traceability for our customers, and good product preservation during transport, on shelf and at home.”
Pascual Martinez, general manager of Smurfit Kappa Ibi, adds: “[Environmental] sustainability is embedded into all our business operations. Today, Smurfit Kappa bag-in-box cannot imagine a single product development that does not involve reducing the carbon footprint of the lifecycle of our bags.”
M-Compact 77 complements Smurfit Kappa’s previously introduced Vitop Compact tap.
“Our integrated production model, big investment in advanced technologies and research and development have already enabled us to make significant progress toward our environmental goals.”
Smurfit Kappa aims to reduce its CO2 emission by 55% against its 2005 baseline and reach at least net zero emissions by 2050. Since 2005, the company has achieved a 37.3% reduction.
Bag-in-box optimizations
M-Compact 77 broadens Smurfit Kappa’s vast film portfolio for bag-in-box applications and supply chain requirements.
The solution also complements the company’s range of flexible materials with reduced plastic weight alongside the previously introduced EVOH films E-Compact and Vitop Compact tap.
In other recent developments, Smurfit Kappa’s 3 L bag-in-box packaging design received Amazon’s “Frustration-Free Packaging” certification.
The supplier also launched its first paper-based child-lock box for laundry pods and invested US$22M in a Mexican corrugated plant.
In July, Smurfit Kappa’s half-year financial results for 2021 showed an 11% rise in revenue compared to last year, along with an 8% hike in profit before income tax.
The company also announced it has agreed to acquire Verzuolo, a containerboard business in Northern Italy, for €360 million (US$406 million).
Edited by Joshua Poole
