Sappi (Johannesburg, South Africa) is this week (Sept. 25-27, 2018) displaying what the company describes as "outstanding solutions of applications produced on a variety of packaging papers and boards; ranging from functional papers, flexible packaging and label papers, to paperboard & containerboard". 

Barrier solutions are a special feature of a new range of functional papers currently being demonstrated by Sappi, including paper-based barrier solutions that protect packaged products from mineral oil contamination, deterioration due to water vapor or oxygen, and grease resistance.

"As a leading company in the production of paper-based functional barrier solutions and with our experience and know-how in this field, we have gathered both customer and development insights that are invaluable in developing new barrier products. We are looking forward to speaking about the specific needs of visitors to our stand," said Sappi Marketing Manager Kerstin Dietze.

In addition to barrier papers, Sappi is showing a paper based solution with integrated sealing functionality for use in flexible packaging applications. These sustainable sealing solutions feature improved sealing properties. They are completely recyclable, and replace non recyclable paper-poly-laminates and they are also containing a high proportion of renewable raw materials.

Sappi will also have numerous examples of premium packaging produced on its family of Algro Design solid bleached board. This includes high-end packaging for cosmetics, perfume, beverages, confectionary and fashion that have benefited from Algro Design’s high brightness and excellent surface, demonstrating the ability to effectively use any printing or finishing techniques required to set the product apart on the shelf. Brand owners, agencies and designers will be especially intrigued with the possibilities this outstanding board, made from virgin fibres, can open. Visitors will be able to collect a personal copy of the new Algro Design swatch book at the show.

"New at the show for paperboard applications," Dietze added, "will be our first board solution with integrated functional barrier properties. This will expand the range of applications that can be sustainably packaged in paperboard without the need for plastic or other liners to protect products."

Sappi Fusion Topliner for corrugated board packaging is also a new feature by the company. Fusion Topliner features better printability, excellent color rendering and curl-free results that enable the use of countless finishing options. It fits seamlessly into existing production processes, reducing costs and improving quality. In addition, Fusion Topliner requires 30% to 50% less glue in lamination for reduced glue consumption and faster drying times.

Fusion Topliner is also ideally suited for digital printing applications. While digitally printing in the corrugated board market still comprises a small percentage of overall printing, experts predict double-digit growth rates per year due to the increase in shorter runs and more customized corrugated packaging.

Sappi is also displaying its new broad portfolio of paper-based products for flexible packaging and labels. This product portfolio was recently enhanced with the acquisition by Sappi of the Cham Paper Group, and FachPack will be the debut of this integrated product portfolio now incorporated into the Sappi brand. This includes grades for wet-glue and, self-adhesive labelling and a wide range of coated and uncoated Kraft papers suitable for many flexible packaging applications.