Stahl, a global supplier of specialty coatings for flexible materials, has expanded its Sensora® portfolio with a range of high-performance haptic coatings. The solutions help brands develop distinctive tactile experiences across food and drink packaging and other consumer-facing formats.
As food and beverage industry trends continue to evolve, packaging needs to deliver more than strong shelf appeal. Tactile finishes can encourage interaction and create a memorable sensory connection alongside visual design. Sensora® supports this approach with surfaces ranging from soft and velvety to smooth, silky, rubber-like and textured.
Designed for paper and board, narrow-web applications and flexible packaging, the Sensora® range serves diverse food and non-food markets. Potential uses include folding cartons, labels, flexible food packs, cosmetics packaging, technology products and luxury goods.
“With Sensora®, Stahl is enabling brands to unlock the strategic value of touch in packaging,” says Paul Grzebielucha, Group Director Packaging Coatings at Stahl. “By combining tactile differentiation with proven coating performance, Sensora® supports our customers in creating premium, memorable packaging experiences that enhance consumer engagement and strengthen brand identity.”
The portfolio features water-based and energy-curable technologies that produce matte, soft-touch and other haptic effects. These solutions are developed to meet demanding safety and sustainability requirements, supporting priorities linked to food and drink sustainability as well as evolving food and drink regulations. Selected products are available in food-contact-compliant versions, including options that meet FDA, Swiss Ordinance, German Ink Ordinance, ISEGA and EuPIA requirements.
The expanded range reflects wider food manufacturing trends, advances in food processing technology and changing food distribution trends, all of which are influencing food and drink industry innovation. It also gives brands an additional tool for responding to food and drink consumer trends and strengthening food and drink marketing through packaging that communicates quality through touch.
Stahl will showcase the Sensora® portfolio at LOUPE Americas 2026 at booth 727. Visitors can examine the coatings in person and learn how haptic technologies can help create differentiated packaging experiences that engage multiple senses.
