American Forest & Paper Association Releases January 2018 Containerboard Report

Smurfit Kappa has developed an innovative and sustainable water-resistant paper. AquaStop™ is part of Smurfit Kappa’s new TechniPaper® portfolio, which consists of an array of high-performance papers designed to handle even the most complex supply chains. The AquaStop™ paper is water-resistant thanks to a special coating which is added to it during the manufacturing process. Unlike many other coatings, this does not compromise the recyclability of the product and can be recycled in the same way as standard paper-based packaging. AquaStop™ is the latest innovation in Smurfit Kappa’s Better Planet Packaging portfolio of products, which offer sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. As it is designed to withstand exposure to water without being damaged, it is suitable for eCommerce packaging and packaging for products such as flowers, detergent and fruit and vegetables where temporary protection against water is needed.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is launching the latest addition to its popular portfolio of sustainable pre-made plastic bags - FlexiBag Reinforced: a range of innovative mono-PE-based, recyclable packaging solutions with improved mechanical properties. Contributing to a circular economy, the FlexiBag Reinforced range is recyclable where collection facilities and recycling systems for PE films are in place. The bags have been created in-house by Mondi, leveraging its integrated value chain. This means the solutions can be tailored to different customers’ specific needs more cost-effectively. Improved mechanical properties make the bag superior to previous versions – better puncture resistance, stiffness and sealability are guaranteed. The level of barrier protection can be adjusted, providing medium to high barriers against fat, oxygen and moisture while keeping the content fresh - making it ideal for the pet food industry. With FlexiBag Reinforced, Mondi proactively meets future regulative requirements: a customised percentage of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content can be added (based on mass-balance), significantly reducing the use of virgin plastics and promoting material efficiency by keeping materials in circulation.

At the beginning of December last year, Heidelberg China and Gallus Shanghai jointly organized in the Print Media Center in Shanghai a launch event for the Gallus Labelmaster in China. Around 160 guests from label print shops in China and Region Asia as well as media journalists attended the event. They were able to watch live demos of the Gallus Labelmaster in label production and experienced a new height in leading label printing. “We are extremely optimistic about the future development of packaging and label printing in China”, explains Benny Huang, CEO of Heidelberg China. “In recent years, with an increasing middle class and accelerating urbanization processes, there are more and more specific requirements on packaging and label. It is our duty to continue providing high quality products and services for packaging and label print shops in China.” Asia has become the fastest growing label market in the world. It is expected that by 2019, the Asian label market will have increased by 5.5%, in which the growth rate of self-adhesive labels will reach 6.3%. “Owing to the higher cost of raw materials and labor today, print shops are paying more attention to productivity”, describes Teddy Jiang, General Manager of Gallus Shanghai. “At the same time, influenced by consumers and branding goods manufacturers, packaging and label printing is moving towards short run, multiple orders and product diversification.“ Click Read More below for additional information.