As part of its ongoing ‘Better Planet Packaging’ initiative, Smurfit Kappa has collaborated with Mitsubishi HiTec Paper to create a new type of innovative and recyclable food-safe packaging.

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A combination of Smurfit Kappa’s expertise in paper-based packaging and Mitsubishi HiTec Paper’s strength in coated papers has led to the first product in the new range being shortlisted as a finalist in the Swiss Packaging Awards.



 

The outer board-based packaging was made from Smurfit Kappa’s groundbreaking MB12 packaging solution, which has unique, built-in adsorption technology to protect against aromas and possible migration of substances. The inner packaging, which contains Mitsubishi HiTec Paper’s BARRICOTE barrier paper, offers protection against moisture and grease, and has heat-sealing properties.

 

Optimised use of renewable raw materials

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This unique solution demonstrates the possibility to create functional board-based packaging that is fully recyclable thanks to the optimised use of renewable raw materials in the barrier.

 



“It has been a very interesting and collaborative process for us working with Mitsubishi HiTec Paper on this project,” said Lars Henriksson, VP of Product Development of the Smurfit Kappa Paper Division. “The fibres that our industry-leading paper is made from are an excellent solution for a huge range of products due to a range of attributes, not least their inherent sustainability.”

 



Dr Dieter Becker, Director of New Business Development & CSR at Mitsubishi HiTec Paper added: “As experts in specialty paper coatings, we brought our know-how in barrier and protective coatings to this process. “Our solutions are completely free from foil, laminates, aluminium and fluorocarbons. Instead, we rely on the highest possible percentage of biodegradable resources – which is why Smurfit Kappa’s MB12 solution was the right one.”

 



HOBAKO AG, a Swiss producer of chocolate products, together with SCHELLING AG, its Swiss packaging provider, were the first to use the new board-based packaging solution. The innovation was shortlisted as a finalist in both the sustainability and technology categories of the Swiss Packaging Awards earlier this year.