Sappi Introduces Seal Light Gloss and Guard MH Functional Papers

Packaging paper manufacturer Sappi is market leader in the field of functional paper packaging. For more than 10 years, the company has been producing functional papers with integrated barriers against oxygen, grease, water vapour, mineral oil and aromas, as well as heat-sealing properties. Sappi is now further expanding its extensive portfolio with the “Seal Light Gloss” and “Guard MH” functional papers to offer its customers solutions that are even more customised to their specific product requirements. The innovation leader is making a decisive contribution to sustainability with these two new flexible packaging papers. The packaging solutions made from renewable raw materials represent recyclable alternatives to fossil-based packaging and help minimise the use of plastic in the long term.

• Sappi “Seal Light Gloss” with a glossy surface for outstanding printing results
• “Guard MH” barrier paper for many food and non-food applications
• Both papers are being produced on the state-of-the-art barrier coating line at the Alfeld mill in Germany

“Seal Light Gloss” – a sealable paper without barriers

The one side coated “Seal Light Gloss” features excellent heat sealability thanks to a coating on the reverse side. The paper, which is available in grammages of 54g/m² and 74 g/m², does not have any barrier properties and can be easily recycled in the paper waste stream. Over the long term, it is intended to help reduce the use of plastics in secondary packaging (e.g. for confectionery) or in primary packaging for products not requiring a barrier.

Developed for flexible packaging in the food and non-food sectors, it stands out with its natural look and pleasant feel. Thanks to its glossy surface, outstanding printing results can be achieved with “Seal Light Gloss”, which ensures a high-quality appearance with which manufacturers and brand owners can make an impression at the point of sale.

“Guard MH” barrier paper for many food and non-food applications

With its “Guard MH” barrier paper, Sappi has developed yet another sustainable packaging solution for a wide range of different applications in the food and non-food markets, which can be disposed of and recycled in the paper waste stream. The paper is available in Natural, Silk and Gloss variants – and all three boast a high value impression. Depending on these different surfaces of the top side – from natural matt to high-end glossy – brand owners could support perfectly the brand image of their product at the point of sale. Both the uncoated Natural “Guard MH” variant and the one side coated Silk and Gloss variants have an integrated barrier against water vapour and mineral oil as well as grease (according to test result KIT 12). While Natural is available in grammages of 60 g/m² 70 g/m² and 90 g/m², the Silk and Gloss variants are available in grammages of 75 g/m² 85 g/m² and 100 g/m².

“Seal Light Gloss” and “Guard MH”: produced on Sappi’s a new barrier coater

Sappi has far-reaching expertise in paper coating technology. For more than 10 years, the company has been producing a vast portfolio of packaging papers with integrated barriers against oxygen, grease, water vapour, mineral oil and aromas, as well as heat-sealing properties – to ensure optimum product protection. In spring 2023, Sappi commissioned a new barrier coating machine at its site in Alfeld (Germany) to produce innovative high-barrier papers for recyclable packaging for food and non-food applications. Both “Seal Light Gloss” and “Guard MH” are now produced on the new barrier coating machine.

René Köhler, Director Paper & Packaging Solutions at Sappi Europe: “The topic of sustainability is a hugely important priority for us as a paper manufacturer. With our two new functional papers, we are supporting our customers in their efforts to use paper-based, recyclable alternatives to non-recyclable packaging. In addition to Seal Light Gloss and Guard MH, other papers for special applications are currently being developed that will benefit both consumers and branded goods manufacturers. We will be introducing these to the market soon.”

Source: Sappi

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