Futureproof is a hard-working guide that unwraps the future of flexible packaging for today’s brands – in six simple steps. It features insight and analysis from industry leaders and is packed with commercial examples, clear facts and explanation of the latest trends, rules and regulations. Futureproof is your invitation to discover more about the barrier paper innovations that are revolutionising mono-material packaging.
1. Understand the size of the problem – and don’t underestimate the desire for change
Packaging produces a staggering amount of waste – of 460m tonnes of plastic produced in 2019 only 9% was recycled. The rest is in landfill, dump sites and the oceans. But consumers are aware of the problems and want change – surveys reveal that across Europe people are increasingly anxious about the status quo.
2. Appreciate how innovation and collaboration introduce brands to robust, paper-based flexible packaging solutions
Sustainable packaging is a collective effort that requires partnership between industry players. That’s why, for example, Sappi has been working with packaging development specialist Sirane to bring plastic-free solutions to market. As a result, Sirane’s Earthpouch – made from recyclable coated paper – is heat-sealable and already market-tested for porridge oats and chocolate buttons.
3. See what happens when a confectionary industry icon switches to paper packaging
Nestlé’s Smarties brand recently became the first global confectionery line to move to paper-based packaging. The global project took more than two years to complete – but not only was the new packaging recyclable (and award-winning), it actually boosted consumer demand.
4. Recognize the implications – and opportunities – of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
The EU is getting serious about packaging waste and is using PPWR to prevent packaging waste, boost recycling rates and reduce demand for primary natural resources. FutureProof brings together a lively panel of experts to dissect the regulations and what they mean for the future of the packaging industry – and for a fibre-based packaging market set to be worth more than $500bn by 2027.
5. Get inspired by brands that have already embraced paper packaging
Sappi’s fibre-based flexible packaging is already used to wrap and protect food products around the world – be it organic rooibos tea from South Africa, a cult chocolate brand from the Netherlands or a German company’s organic rice from Thailand. They all have one thing in common – using paper to meet the challenge of sustainable flexible packaging.
6. Discover how innovation makes the difference
After seven years’ of R&D and major investment, Sappi’s Alfeld Mill in Germany recently switched on its state-of-the-art barrier paper machine – now capable of producing 300m square metres of new barrier papers every year. By providing bespoke flexible packaging functionality to customers, it’s a live example of how industry innovation can create sustainable, recyclable products that already deliver for the market.
Request your future-proof magazine here and learn this and more:
- Why fibre-based flexible packaging is more innovative than ever
- Who are the brands leading the way
- How the industry and regulators are working together
- Why partnership is the key to success
- What are the solutions that could work for you and your brand
