Siegwerk, a prominent global supplier of printing inks and coatings for packaging and labels, has partnered with Enplater Group, which specializes in the printing and production of both rigid and flexible packaging. Together, they have introduced a cutting-edge mono-material packaging solution crafted from polypropylene (PP), boasting remarkable technical attributes and complete recyclability.
This collaborative effort merges Siegwerk’s extensive knowledge of high-performance, regulation-compliant ink and coating systems with Enplater’s specialized experience in rigid and flexible packaging production. The technical and R&D teams from both organizations worked closely, conducting thorough trials in realistic production scenarios. This cooperation yielded valuable insights that facilitated the enhancement of the innovative high-barrier mono-PP pouch intended for food packaging. “As the packaging sector evolves towards circular solutions, collaboration across the value chain remains crucial to fostering ongoing innovation,” remarked Javier Garcia, Head of Sales & Technology Iberia. “By integrating our advanced ink and coating technologies with Enplater’s specialized converting capabilities, we successfully developed a mono-material PP pouch that rivals traditional multi-material barrier solutions, while promoting the material efficiency critical for adhering to the stringent Design for Recycling guidelines outlined in the forthcoming PPWR.”
During the project, several groundbreaking technologies from Siegwerk were employed. CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE—a combined oxygen-barrier and white ink technology—was implemented in a single in-line step. This innovative approach allows for the replacement of PVdC, metallized mixed materials like met-PET and met-OPP, and EVOH-based structures by substituting standard backing white, thereby enhancing inventory flexibility without requiring additional capital outlay. Furthermore, Siegwerk’s latest polyurethane (PU)-based ink systems were utilized, providing high print quality, exceptional adhesion, and suitability for demanding flexible packaging applications.
“Working alongside Siegwerk has proved fruitful, allowing us to progress our research in mono-materials by leveraging the combined expertise and technologies from both parties,” noted Jordi Feixas, R&D Manager at Enplater. “Our partnership has produced a solution that not only performs reliably in production but also meets the growing demand for recyclable packaging structures. This initiative reflects our mutual commitment to facilitating the transition towards more sustainable packaging options, delivering innovative solutions that tackle real-world manufacturing and regulatory challenges while ensuring food safety.”
Enplater Group will showcase their advancements at Interpack 2026, scheduled for May 7-13 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Attendees can visit Enplater’s booth D52 in Hall 10 to view samples of the jointly developed mono-PP pouch and gain deeper insights into the partnership and the innovative packaging solutions displayed.
For additional details, visit www.siegwerk.com and www.enplater.com.
