Sappi, Johannesburg, South Africa, announced yesterday (April 27) the company's introduction of Algro Guard OHG, a new high-barrier paper-based packaging solution. With integrated barriers and heat sealing properties, the paper is suitable for flexible packaging applications. According to its first user, Belgian chocolate producer Delafaille, this new innovative paper is the perfect solution for packaging designers and producers.

 

 

Algro Guard OHG provides integrated barriers that prevent the migration of oxygen and water vapor into packaged products. The design also makes packaging production simpler and more efficient. Thanks to this innovative integrated barrier, there is no longer a need to apply special coatings or lamination to obtain a flexible paper-based packaging. With the grease and mineral oil barrier, this innovative paper meets the market demand for alternatives to foil and plastics, reducing both costs and environmental footprint. Algro Guard OHG can be used for sealed products without the need for added sealants. It's comprised of more than 80% renewable materials.

The one-side coated glossy paper has been specifically optimized for gravure and flexo printing. Its excellent printability makes Algro Guard OHG an ideal solution for both luxury products and mass production, with the ability to use the same materials across the full span of products. This increases efficiency and streamlines the supply chain, helping brands reduce time to market and costs.

Belgian chocolate producer Delafaille was the first to use Algro Guards OHG and the company is very satisfied with the results. "We were developing a package for our new brand, Amusette. We wanted something that would improve the product safety, the user friendliness, and the optical appearance. We needed a paper that could enhance our unique design idea, which is similar to a teabag envelope. The package makes the unwrapping and consuming of chocolate a special moment, adding to its overall value and increasing consumer engagement with the brand," said Delafaille General Manager Paul Daems.

At the same time, Daems was looking for a way to optimize the production process so mass production would be cost effective and fast. He added that, "Algro Guard OHG turns our innovative design into a premium product. The use of paper instead of foil or plastic makes it user friendly and offers a better experience without the need for extra steps in the production environment. This gives us the best of both worlds – premium packaging at mass produced prices."