Wipak Group focusing on sustainable and efficient packaging

Thermoformed paper laminates, compound systems with ultrasonic sealing, films with reduced thickness and innovative lidding films for fresh meat packages – at this year’s Interpack, the Wipak Group will present numerous new developments to demonstrate how the requirements for sustainable, economical and functional packaging solutions can be met. The US-based affiliate Winpak will present a patented heat-sealing process for childproof blister packages. And some design students of the Hannover University of Applied Sciences will present a special exhibition illustrating their packaging ideas focusing on freshness and sustainability.

“Assuming responsibility“ – Wipak’s motto for this year’s exhibition says it all. “In view of rising costs for raw material and energy, affecting both retail, manufacturers and suppliers, efficient and sustainable packaging systems that are ideally adapted to the products are gaining more and more importance”, emphasizes Matti Rovamaa, Director of the Wipak Group. Such solutions, presented for the first time at Interpack, include lidding films for fresh meat packages. The special feature of this solution is the fact that the polyamide-based, composite solution with a polypropylene sealing layer can easily be pulled from the tray without any tools. It is nevertheless stable and resistant enough to reliably protect the packed fresh meat during transportation. As part of the Bialon product group, this new film solution is already available on the market. Wipak also focuses on the Superclear product group. The highly transparent films, with a thickness reduced by up to 30%, stand out for their high protective effect. State-of-the-art manufacturing processes allow for an efficient and moderate use of raw materials.

For medical applications and sterile supplies, WIPAK offers innovative sterile packaging solutions such as NICE, OctaSafe and Multi-X9 which ensure the patient’s safety, total cost efficiency and sustainability.

Wipak Group: Child-Resistant Blister Lidding Advancements and Sustainable Lidding Technologies At Interpack, the US-based affiliate Winpak will present a new heat-sealing process for the European pharmaceutical market which provides child-resistant closing of blister packages. Filed for patent, Safety-Pak® Plus is a unique Child Resistant structure of white opaque polyester film laminated with aluminum foil. Three versions of Safety-Pak® Plus are available which can be printed in high quality. Each version provides a different level of CR protection, yet maintains an adult-friendly opening feature.

They are also suitable for sealing in the low temperature range – definitely a benefit for temperature-sensitive drugs. Additionally, Winpak supplies “Universal Seal” extrusion technology for blister lidding. This unique technology is applied to lidding materials of paper, aluminum or film and allow for adherence to a large number of bottom-web film substrates including; PET, PETG, APET, PP, COC, PVC, PVdC, PCTFE and more. This technology will assist greatly in the creation of a more sustainable blister or pouch package. Safety-Pak Plus CR lidding was introduced in 2007. Winpak bought the rights to the line in 2009, however, no one in Europe is using SP+ yet, a Wipak spokesperson tells Packaging Europe.

Hannover University (FH Hannover) design project: Focusing on freshness and sustainability
Cheese, bread, butter, spices, ready-made meals, fresh fruit or vegetables – students of the Hannover University for Applied Sciences have been working on an international project involving students also from India, Estonia, Portugal and Sweden to investigate about food, consumer behavior and the role of packages. Using the motto “Freshness and sustainability“, the project generated some unconventional concepts which emphasize the fact that functional packages are an integral part of future nutrition concepts, even building bridges between cultures. Wipak has initiated the project in cooperation with the Product Design degree program headed by Professor Birgit Weller. The students will present their concepts at Wipak’s stand.

Wipak at Interpack: Hall 10 / Stand A22

Source: Wipak Group