The next generation of flexible packaging: Paper-based
Flexible Packaging with paper as the base carrier enables more recyclable alternatives to classic plastic laminates – while at the same time protecting against moisture, oxygen, grease and loss of aroma.
The challenge of plastic packaging
Classic flexible packaging today usually consists of multi-layer plastic composites. They offer high barrier performance – but are:
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difficult or impossible to recycle
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fossil-based
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under increasing regulatory pressure (e.g. PPWR)
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Critical in brand perception
At the same time, the requirements for shelf life, product protection and logistics performance are increasing, as is regulatory pressure.
New EU packaging regulations (PPWR) increase the requirements for recyclability, plastic reduction and material efficiency.
Paper-based solutions can help to meet future requirements at an early stage.
The solution: paper as a functional base support
Paper-based carrier structures combine the mechanical advantages of paper with functional barrier properties.
Depending on their design, they provide reliable protection against:
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Oxygen (OTR)
- Water vapor (WVTR)
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Fat migration
- Loss of aroma
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Light (opacity)
This allows flexible packaging solutions with a reduced plastic content to be realized – tailored to the specific requirements of the filling product.
Product protection – tailored to your application
Enable paper-based carrier solutions:
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Defined water vapor barrier
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Controlled oxygen permeability
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Fat and aroma protection
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Product-specific sealing performance
Depending on the filling material, the material structure can be specifically adapted – for optimum durability with a reduced plastic content.
Depending on the durability requirements, the material structure can be specifically adapted – from fibre-based solutions for dry products to performance-optimized laminates for moisture- or grease-sensitive applications.
Areas of application
Paper-based flexible packaging is suitable for, among other things
Food
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Snacks & Muesli
- Fatty foods (e.g. butter, meat and sausage products)
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Coffee & Tea
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Chocolate
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Spices
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Baked goods
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Pet food
Non-Food
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Detergents & cleaning agents
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Cosmetic refills
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Pharmaceutical & healthcare products
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Hygiene articles
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Garden & DIY products
We help you to reduce plastic without losing product protection
As much barrier as necessary – as little plastic as possible.
Paper-based flexible packaging enables a scalable balance between sustainability and performance – tailored to product, shelf life and recyclability.
Our fabric mix and fiber options: Cellulose, TMP (thermo mechanical pulp) and DIP.
Together with our development partners, we will find the perfect solution for you.
Our backing paper options
1: Barrier in the paper
For products with moderate durability requirements: Functional barrier integrated directly into the fibre structure
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Without additional laminate film
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Very low plastic content
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Recyclable in waste paper
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Good water vapor and grease barrier
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Natural feel and look
Suitable for:
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dry food
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Secondary packaging
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Powder products
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Applications with medium barrier requirements
Focus: Maximum material reduction with sufficient product protection
2: Paper with coating
For applications with increased aroma or oxygen protection: paper base with functional coating
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Dispersion or polymer-based barrier coatings
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Improved oxygen and aroma barrier
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Sealable
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Good machine runability on existing systems
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Reduced plastic content compared to conventional composites
Suitable for:
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Snacks
- Fatty products (e.g. butter, meat and sausage products)
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Muesli
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Coffee
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Pet food
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Cosmetic products
Focus: Balance between performance and recyclability
3: Paper with PE film
For high moisture requirements or long shelf life: paper-based laminate structure with integrated PE layer
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High water vapor barrier
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Very good sealing properties
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Mechanical product protection
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Suitable for demanding products
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Reduced plastic content compared to pure plastic packaging
Suitable for:
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Moisture-sensitive products
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Frozen applications
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Detergents and cleaning agents
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Pharmaceutical and healthcare products
Focus: Maximum product protection with a paper-based structure
The right option for your product
| Your product | Packaging option | Sustainability | Barrier performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry products | Barrier in paper | ★★★ | ★ |
| Fatty products | Paper + Coating | ★★ | ★★ |
| Moisture-sensitive products | Papier + PE film | ★ | ★★★ |
Format examples
Flowpacks
Sachets
Stand-up pouches
Bag
Butter curler
Refill packaging
Sausage/meat wrapper
Sustainability benefits
Paper-based flexible packaging
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can significantly reduce the proportion of plastic
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are recycled in waste paper
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are based on renewable, recyclable raw materials
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have a lower packaging weight
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reduce CO₂ emissions compared to plastic composites
Our carrier papers
Mechanical properties
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High rigidity
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Good printability
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Pleasant feel (natural look)
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Tear resistance
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Sealability (heat seal)
Processability on existing systems
Our paper-based carrier papers are:
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sealable
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stable running
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Suitable for existing form-fill-seal processes*
*Depending on material structure and machine type
We will find the perfect packaging solution for you
Tell us your requirements and wishes, we look forward to hearing from you.
