Carton, Board and Paper
The role of testing in the changing world of paper packaging
Michael Joseph, global product manager at Industrial Physics P
ackaging professionals in 2025 are continuing to examine their operations, from material choice to technology use in the production process, to meet today’s
industry requirements.
Sustainability continues to drive change globally, as packaging manufacturers strive to meet new regulations and ensure a positive reception from vocal consumers. In recent years, large players across industries have switched to paper. For example, Pringles has swapped its classic steel tube for cardboard; Sainsbury’s is transitioning pastries from clam-shell packaging to cardboard and paper; and Amazon has moved to paper tape. However, this would not be possible without a robust testing process that ensure specifi cations are still met and there is no negative impact on product quality. The shift to paper is demonstrative of how attitudes have changed. Paper was negatively perceived for many years, with the obtaining process seen as wasteful and environmentally damaging, while production times were considered too protracted. Yet, a greater understanding of paper’s properties, and its ability to help producers meet legislation requirements, such as the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), has accelerated its demand. Yet, despite the increase in popularity of paper packaging, challenges remain and in 2025 we will continue seeing companies using innovations including technologies and testing processes to navigate these successfully.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES? Investment in paper packaging production has been slow, with historical perception challenges leaving some facilities lagging. Economic obstacles are also present at the source, with raw materials proving expensive in the current climate. Consequently, some in the sector are examining a localised sourcing strategy, however, this will take time to establish and demand must be met in the meantime to deliver the level of packaging required worldwide.
Industrial Physics’ latest research of global food and beverage packaging professionals has shown that consumer reactions are driving innovations in packaging, with many buyers favouring sustainable
how changing their operations approach can increase effi ciencies and help with cost pressures. Industrial Physics’ research revealed that 58 percent of packaging professionals using paper agree that their company is actively investing in futureproofi ng.
One example is the introduction of diff erent coatings that can be easily broken down during the recycling process, so a greater proportion of the paper fi bres are salvaged and re-enter the supply chain for the manufacturer. There are also professionals who are working to secure structural perfection at the earliest stage; achieving accurate hardness rates of paper rolls fi rst time around can avoid unnecessary waste, improve quality, minimise production time and improve customer satisfaction.
With cost and demand on the rise, futureproofi ng and effi cient operations are key. Using technology and advancements in testing will make this achievable.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS Predictive modelling will prove more popular in 2025 as paper professionals utilise machine learning to gather data on moisture and weight, allowing them to enhance the quality of paper products produced. Real time data acquisition also off ers insight into the wider supply chain, facilitating more accurate resource planning and signifi cant opportunities to gain effi ciencies. The resource planning will prove particularly crucial to navigate any sourcing challenges from the raw materials side, because accurate allocation and forecasting can be completed.
packaging over single-use items. However, whilst environmentally friendly products are the more popular choice among consumers, this does not always translate to sales. The price of paper rose sharply post-COVID, a cost which is passed along to the consumer as they purchase the fi nal product. While many would prefer environmentally friendly items, the high cost of living means that often it remains a preference rather than determinant.
FOCUS ON FUTUREPROOFING Professionals in paper packaging recognise the sector’s challenges and are already demonstrating
There will also be an increase in professionals using online instrumentation to make necessary adjustments to the shape and integrity of paper boxes, reducing the time required to spend on repairs and improving speed on the production line. In addition to this, some will be exploring predictive modelling which can be used to reduce the level of testing required without any compromise on quality control. The paper industry is still heavily reliant on destructive testing at present, therefore reducing this will deliver a reduction in waste and opportunities to become more effi cient.
22
February 2025
www.convertermag.com
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