Sappi Introduces New Barrier Papers for Food and Non-food Applications

Packaging paper manufacturer Sappi Europe has added three new products to its barrier paper portfolio for use in both food and non-food packaging applications and the confectionary market.

The new papers consist of Guard ICC, a flexible packaging paper for ice cream cones, Guard OHS, a barrier and heat sealable paper for food and non-food packaging applications and Guard Twist Gloss, a glossy, recyclable wax free barrier paper for twisting applications in the confectionary market. Sappi says its new products will be presented at Sappi’s booth at this year’s FACHPACK, taking place from 24-26 September in Nuremberg.

The company states the Guard ICC paper was designed for applications where dimensional stability or double-sided protection are needed and is suitable for direct food contact. Sappi adds it is equipped with barrier properties against water vapour and grease on both sides, and the bleached kraft paper features a machine glazed surface.  

Apparently, the paper can be used in flexographic or gravure printing processes as well as in conversion processes such as glueing and die cutting. The paper can be easily recycled in the paper waste stream. 

Sappi’s Guard OHS barrier paper has been designed for flexible packaging applications including flow-wraps, sachets, and pouches for food and non-food markets. Guard OHS is available in three print side versions and grammages: Natural (62g/m²), Silk, and Gloss (both in 77g/m²).  

Sappi states that all three Guard OHS versions feature barrier properties including water vapour, oxygen, MOSH/MOAH, aroma and grease resistance. It says that Guard OHS is ideally suited for direct food contact, aiming to ensure optimal performance in food packaging applications.  

The papers are also said to meet purity requirements for toy safety, making it suitable for non-food applications as well. With Guard OHS, Sappi hopes to offer a recyclable alternative to packaging that calls for reliable safety properties, but for which high barriers would be excessive. 

Guard Twist Gloss was specially developed for confectionery, sugar confectionery sweets and chocolate wrappers. Sappi says the one side single coated paper features high tear strength and a functional coating on the reverse side which provides mild grease resistance and food protection.  

The paper is said to have ‘excellent’ printability and processing qualities, aiming to minimize fold and colour cracking. Available in a grammage of 45g/m², the barrier paper is suitable for direct food contact is offered as an alternative to non-recyclable waxed paper. 

Earlier this year, Sappi revealed its coated flexible coffee packaging, the Algro Finess C paper designed to offer ‘superior’ printing and converting properties while preventing folding or colour cracking. The paper is apparently compatible with flexographic or gravure printing processes and aims to attract consumers at point of sale with high-quality colour and tonal value reproduction.