“The new pack-age:” Sappi to launch next-generation barrier papers at “Virtual Interpack”

07 Apr 2020 --- Functional paper packaging specialist Sappi is set to host a “Virtual Interpack Trade Show” from 6-31 May after the COVID-19 outbreak forced interpack 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany, to postpone. The global supplier will present its “second generation” of eco-friendly barrier papers to the audience via live streams, videos and a “live chat” with its experts. The Sappi Guard range of barrier papers renders additional special coatings or laminations superfluous, resulting in materials that can be recycled in the paper stream.

COVID-19-induced exhibition cancellations and postponements have fuelled the rise of the virtual trade show. Virtual trade shows not only maintain an all-important promotion and networking platform for businesses but also reduce carbon footprint by rendering transport redundant.

In the weeks that followed interpack’s postponement, Bühler announced that it would use digital showrooms, chats and webinars to present its latest technologies, while Syntegon Technology will also present its latest solutions on a virtual exhibition booth. More recently, Resolve Business Management announced the launch of Global PrintExpo in what is marketed as the world’s first virtual exhibition and conference facility for the printing industry.The second generation of Sappi’s high-barrier papers will make its premiere at its virtual interpack in May 2020.

Now Sappi is set to host a “Virtual Interpack Trade Show” from 6-31 May to present its new and existing paper barrier solutions. “Our virtual interpack is the perfect solution for us to inform our customers and interested parties before this year’s end about the range and quality of our solutions and our successful applications. We are continuing to set new standards with our products. In spring 2021, we are looking forward to the personal contacts in Düsseldorf,” says Thomas Kratochwill, Vice President Sales & Marketing Packaging and Speciality Papers at Sappi Europe.

Paper stream recyclable
Based on the motto “Pro Planet Paper Packaging – welcome to the new pack-age,” Sappi will showcase numerous opportunities for its customers to package food or non-food products in environmentally-sustainable, premium packaging at its virtual interpack event.

With the Sappi Guard range, the Sappi will present barrier papers that render additional special coatings or laminations superfluous, resulting in materials that can be recycled in the paper stream. Featuring integrated barriers, they ensure that the product quality of foods and other goods is preserved.

The “second generation” of the barrier papers will make its premiere at virtual interpack. These barrier papers are said to be “even more environmentally friendly.”Manufacturers from all over the world use Sappi paper, including Nestlé for its Yes! snack bars.

Sealability success
Sappi Seal is designed for packaging solutions where the priority is sealability. It offers integrated heat sealability, a moisture barrier against water vapor and is produced with 95 percent renewable materials. The single side coated paper can be printed via offset or flexo printing. For gravure printing applications, the manufacturer also offers the new version Sappi Seal G, which will be presented for the first time at the trade fair and offers “even greater printing results.”

Sappi’s virtual exhibition stand will also provide “a wealth of additional information” from the Functional Paper Packaging sector, such as selected examples from practice. This illustrates how different and manifold the barrier papers can be.

Flexible grease-resistant packs
With its flexible packaging papers, Sappi offers a wide range of solutions for various types of flexible packaging, applicable for food and non-food products. Sappi will put the spotlight on Carcoat Repella Flex at the virtual fair.

Sappi's new paperboard Algro Design Advanced paperboard has a lightly coated reverse side for high color absorption.Thanks to Carcoat Repella Flex’s grease resistance, the semi-gloss, single side coated paper is ideal for packaging greasy foods with direct product contact, such as butter, cheese and meat. Sappi also offers a home-compostable paper in Algro Nature.

Stand out labels
Meanwhile, label papers from Sappi are ideally suited for customers from the beverage industry looking to make their products stand out in a crowded market. Sappi will present its new wet-glue label Parade Label 4 at the virtual interpack.

Parade Label 4 paper boasts superior machine runnability properties. Sappi also offers special grease resistance papers for the labeling of oil bottles. The label papers are very resistant and also recyclable.

Lighter grammages
In advance of the virtual fair, Sappi has added a new grammage option to its Algro Design Advanced paperboard portfolio. The lighter 160 g/m² version expands the premium solid bleached board range that previously ran from 220 to 380 g/m².The Algro Design Advanced product features a lightly coated reverse side that balances enhanced ink lift with a natural tactile feel.

The Algro Design Advanced product itself is a relatively recent development, featuring a lightly coated reverse side that balances enhanced ink lift with a natural tactile feel. “Algro Design Advanced enables our customers to be extremely flexible in the design choices they make for their intended product. Its lightly coated reverse side offers considerably more potential for projects with higher ink coverage, more brilliance, greater contrast and more diverse finishing options,” explains Matthew Campbell, Product Group Manager Paperboard at Sappi Europe.

The folding box board, Atelier, which was launched in 2019, will also be showcased. With its ultra whiteness and brightness combination, aligned with surface consistency, this paperboard enables branded goods to be presented effectively at the point of sale. Atelier also benefits from a range extension, as Sappi will present the new 220 g/m² version at virtual interpack for the first time.

By Joshua Poole

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