Flexible Packaging
Back to the future with paper flexible packaging
In chasing alignment with the circular economy, it is fitting that the flexible packaging industry is increasingly circling back to the material that started it all – paper, saysParkside
he ancient Chinese are believed to have been the first to use treated mulberry bark fibres to wrap around perishable food. It’s a testament to the amazing versatility of paper as a material that even now, over two thousand years later, it still has so much to offer.
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Increasingly, paper is seen as the solution to the world’s plastic problem. And paper-based flexible packaging solutions are a natural extension of this philosophy. By combining the best of both worlds with a back-to-basics approach that still makes use of cutting-edge materials science, this ancient material could also be the material of a more sustainable, minimalist future.
MAKING PAPER A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO PLASTIC Plastic became such a ubiquitous packaging material for a reason. It is incredibly durable, versatile, and low
cost, while offering steadfast protection against moisture, oxygen, and aroma. It is important to remember that packaging’s primary purpose is to prevent waste by protecting and preserving its contents through the supply chain. Plastic is well-suited to this job. However, it is undeniable that the same properties that make plastic so effective mean it often ends up as waste itself.
While not quite the villain it is often made out to be – not all plastics are equally damaging to the environment, and plastic-based films and coatings can have a net benefit for a food product’s carbon footprint by reducing food waste in the supply chain – it is clear that the overuse of plastic is a significant problem for the planet. Switching to paper-based solutions where possible is one answer – while there is no magic bullet, one-size-fits-all solution for all packaging applications, paper is as close as it’s possible to get. However, paper is not a natural replacement for plastic – it must be made that way through
However, at Parkside, we have been at the forefront of material science for many years. We have been heavily involved in developing innovations that can augment and enhance paper packaging, making it a genuinely viable sustainable alternative that offers comparable performance to plastic in many applications. For example, paper packaging has historically been unsuitable for frozen food applications due to the formation of ice crystals on the pack, which can degrade barrier coatings and allow oils and liquids to leak through the packaging when thawed. We use a unique barrier that repels ice crystals from the pack exterior, creating an award-winning paper pouch that was freezer- ready while still being heat-sealable and fit for a modern packing line.
Advances in laminate and coating technology mean that oxygen and moisture barriers can be made using bio-based materials, such as acrylics made from cellulose. High-performance monopolymers mean that, even if fossil fuel-
innovative technology. Without being treated, paper is mechanically weak, porous, and wholly unsuited for the rigours of modern packing lines, much less supply chain logistics. The effort required to overcome these weaknesses means that paper has been seen as a lower-performance material than plastic, and that this must simply be accepted in pursuit of more sustainable packaging.
derived plastics must be used, they can be made in a way that is significantly easier to recycle.
REDUCING PACKAGING WITH FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS
Ultimately, though, the overall goal should be to reduce the resources consumed in absolute terms by each pack, even if those materials are recyclable or renewable. This lowers costs both during manufacture and transit and, by minimising the physical footprint of a pack, businesses can minimise their carbon footprint, too. The first step away from a linear take-make- waste system surely involves ‘taking’ fewer raw materials in the first place – and, as EPR reforms continue to roll out across many national markets, taking that step sooner rather than later makes sense. This is why paper flexible packaging is key in the global drive for sustainability. It is an inherently more
sustainable format than rigid cartons and boxes as it consumes less energy and fewer materials during production and transport. It allows for a higher product-to-package ratio, meaning less air is shipped in transit. And it serves consumer demands to put an end to over-packaging, making for a naturally engaging on-shelf presence. The advances in material science mean that, for many applications, flexible packaging offers the same mechanical strength and product protection qualities as rigid equivalents in many applications. Products like coffee, laundry detergent, and pet food can be packed and shipped more efficiently using flexible packaging without any increased risk of defects occurring through the supply chain. It means paper-based flexible packaging solutions – having been first employed thousands of years ago – are once again in the spotlight as the packaging solutions of the future. By treating this ancient material with cutting-edge technology, the packaging industry can affect real change in the fight against plastic waste.
24
March 2023
www.convertermag.com
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