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Flexible Eco-Paper Packaging R&D Partnership for Volpak, Lecta
European packaging partners aim to validate the machinability of flexible paper on existing equipment.
Staff
July 22, 2024
2 Min Read
Volpak
At a Glance
- Lecta will supply eco-friendly barrier papers and Volpak's test them on existing equipment to ensure real-world performance.
- The first phase, initial development and material testing, is underway.
Volpak, a Coesia company specializing in horizontal form-fill-seal packaging systems, and Lecta, a European specialty paper supplier, have begun a collaborative project aimed at testing and validating sustainable materials for packaging applications.
The collaboration will test the operational requirements and practicality of using the recyclable paper-based packaging materials for various flexible paper packaging applications. Test packaging materials will include:
Barrier products used for various packaging applications including flow packs, sachets, and wrapping materials, such as butter wrappers. Ongoing innovations in this area include combining different barrier properties and heat-sealability for specific applications.
New metalized, uncoated, and coated-one-side papers designed to provide barriers against water vapor, grease, oxygen, and alcohol while being compatible with standard paper recycling processes.
Welcome to the machine. Image: Volpak
Volpak will conduct performance tests on Lecta-supplied materials to evaluate the machinability and durability in its ‘pouch lab.’ Tests will simulate actual production conditions to ensure that the environmentally friendly papers integrate well with existing real-world packaging processes without compromising efficiency or quality.
These tests are crucial for identifying any potential improvements and obtaining the necessary certifications for commercial use. The first phase, initial development and material testing, is underway.
Market research shows the shift towards sustainable packaging is being driven by both regulatory pressures and consumer demand. According to a Bain & Company report, 71% of European consumers and a similar percentage of US consumers express a preference for purchasing sustainable products, with many favoring products that use minimal or recyclable packaging (Bain). Additionally, a study by NIQ and McKinsey found that 92% of shoppers consider sustainability an important factor when choosing a brand, highlighting the growing consumer expectation for eco-friendly packaging solutions (NIQ).
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