Sappi: innovative barrier coating machine

For over a decade, Sappi has been at the forefront of the functional papers market, developing effective alternatives to conventional multilayer and plastic packaging. The company’s extensive range of barrier papers is conceived to replace non-recyclable materials such as paper-film laminates and extrusion-coated papers, providing flexible, innovative solutions to address the most diverse packaging requirements.

Sappi’s papers feature integrated barriers - depending on the application, with high, medium or low-barrier properties - against oxygen, water vapor, grease, aroma, mineral oil and with added heat-sealability.
This ensures that the quality of food and non-food products is preserved -whether they are packed in sachets, flow-wraps, pillow bags, doypacks or stand-up pouches. As the world pursues its search for sustainable packaging alternatives, Sappi remains dedicated to developing solutions that not only meet but exceed the evolving demands of both the market and the environment.

«Our functional papers, including the Guard, AvantGuard, and Seal product families, reflect more than a decade of expertise in barrier technology» confirms René Köhler, Director Paper & Packaging Solutions at Sappi Europe. «Sappi’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is embodied by our continuous investment in technology and product development» adds René Köhler. «Our recent multi-million euro investment in a new barrier coating machine in Alfeld, Germany, not only boosts our production capacities, it also enhances our ability to introduce groundbreaking products to the market and expand our portfolio of next-generation functional papers».

The Alfeld mill now produces various barrier paper products, ranging from 44g/m² to 120g/m², available in different finishes such as Natural, Silk, and Gloss of the printing side. This includes Sappi’s low, medium and high barrier and heat sealable papers. Many other products in different phases of development are currently in the process.