Sappi Europe has allocated a significant sum in the double-digit millions of euros to develop a new plant that will manufacture high-barrier papers, including an advanced barrier coating machine, designed to produce recyclable packaging for the food industry. The new system, located at the company’s Alfeld site in Germany, incorporates cutting-edge expertise in paper-coating technology, accumulated over more than a decade, to deliver an extensive range of packaging papers featuring built-in barriers to defend against oxygen, grease, mineral oil, water vapour and aromas, thereby ensuring optimal protection of packaged merchandise.
Capitalising on its exceptional positioning in the barrier papers market, Sappi has invested in a new type of barrier coating machine worth an extensive amount of millions, which will expand its unique selection of barrier papers that will soon be accessible to the market. With the coating kitchen, reel finishing, and automated handling system included in the investment, its higher production capacity and shorter supply chain will translate to better service delivery, resulting in more satisfied customers.
Speaking on the Alfeld project, the Chief Executive Officer of Sappi Europe, Marco Eikelenboom, pointed out the company’s commitment to becoming a leading player in the flexible packaging sector, by means of offering an array of eco-friendly packaging solutions, ideal for brand owners and converters that seek to meet their sustainability targets and participate in a circular economy.
As part of Sappi’s innovative drive, customers can expect to benefit from continuous coating innovation and customised solutions, which can be produced via different coating technologies applied on the new machine, including multilayer coating and water-based dispersion technology. To actualise this goal, Sappi’s in-house development programme is already at work in the dedicated coating kitchen – it is driving innovative recipes for coating that will revolutionise packaging in the non-recyclable market, hence benefiting both end-users and manufacturers.
Sappi anticipates that the new machine will have its product launch at the upcoming Interpack international trade fair for the packaging industry holding from 4 to 10 May in Düsseldorf. The event presents an opportunity for stakeholders – brand owners and converters – to witness the exciting features of the new machine and find out more about the possibilities of high volume production of specialised barrier papers that it presents. Sappi has invited prospective customers to leverage their in-house consulting expertise and wealth of experience to develop optimal packaging solutions for their particular requirements.