Fedrigoni has launched a range of packaging grade papers that it says can displace plastics in many applications.
The substrates in the Materia Viva Metamorphosis range may have received a coating to deliver some of the characteristics of the plastic materials being substituted but remain 100% recyclable says the Italian paper maker. The materials can be used for loyalty and membership cards, wrappings for soaps, single dose liquids, wrappers with transparent inserts, restaurant menus, photo posters and carrier bags that would otherwise require lamination which then prevents recycling.
VP marketing and R&D Micaela Di Trana says: “The innovation introduced by Metamorphosis, inspired by the principles of the circular economy, is a concrete example of Fedrigoni’s ‘Making Progress’ approach to sustainability issues. In the context of the development of new products, this pushes for increasingly cutting edge solutions, capable of combining performance, aesthetics and care for the environment. We have carried out research and developed solutions for over 20 years in order to reduce the environmental impact of our supply chain and at the same time elevate the creativity of brands, designers, printers and converters, as well as students and young professionals. Our aim is to support customers who have decided to follow the path of sustainable development for their products, including packaging. Replacing plastic with paper is possible in many applications, and it is also aesthetically pleasing.”
These are not intended for mass market applications where cost is the main driver but for packaging applications where sustainable credentials are to the fore, particularly in cosmetics, fashion, jewellery, luxury packaging as well as food and personal care.
The range includes Eclose, a new material that is a plastic substitute for thermoformed inserts in packaging that are used to hold cosmetic or perfumes inside a rigid box. Fedrigoni plans to produce a version of the cellulose based material for outer packaging, giving cases for sunglasses as an example.
