Packaging concepts from paper fiber based materials

Wolfertschwenden - The reduction of packaging consumption and the use of recyclable materials in the production of packaging are currently the top issues in the packaging industry and among consumers. In the coming years, in particular, the demand for recycling-friendly packaging will increase significantly. As a market and technology leader, MULTIVAC's MULTIVAC PaperBoard offers a variety of solutions for the production of paper fiber-based packaging that fully meets the requirements for recyclability.

Packaging primarily serves product protection. In the case of foods, they greatly contribute to better recovery and prolongation of shelf life. Predominantly this plastic compounds are processed, which have the required barrier properties and can be easily processed on packaging machines.

The 2019's new Packaging Act and the EU's Plastics Strategy, published in January 2018, are designed to counteract the massive global increase in plastics production. The requirements essentially relate to the introduction of a circular economy for the plastics industry and the reduction of plastics consumption.

For MULTIVAC these topics are not new. "As a market and technology leader, our goal is always to drive the development of innovative machine concepts and set new standards in the market in terms of packaging quality and efficiency as well as resource conservation and packaging reduction. In addition, we are convinced that the use of alternative materials will open up further sustainable prospects for the future, "explains Valeska Haux, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, who is also responsible for the film business at MULTIVAC.

Alternative packaging concepts with MULTIVAC PaperBoard
With MULTIVAC PaperBoard, different solutions are available for the production of packaging made from paper fiber-based materials. For this purpose, MULTIVAC works together with leading manufacturers on suitable packaging materials that can be processed with standard systems. The thermoforming packaging machines and traysealers can be individually tailored to the respective performance requirements of the customers. They therefore offer real added value in terms of package quality, performance and process reliability. In addition, the combination of infeed, outfeed and pack labeling modules can provide fully automated packaging solutions that fully meet efficiency requirements.

Both MAP and skin packs made from paper fiber-based materials can be realized on the MULTIVAC systems. In this case, the carrier material can be processed either as a roll product or as a blank, also prefabricated trays are used. All materials can be sorted by the end user sorted and lead the paper carriers to the recycling cycle.

Advantages of packaging made of fiber-based packaging materials
The use of functional layers makes it possible to produce paper-based packings which meet the requirements for the barrier properties of plastic composites. Either the paper carrier or the complete paper composite can be added to the recycling cycle; For this purpose, different regulations exist in the countries, which must be observed.

Another advantage of paper carriers is their free design in terms of printing. This contributes significantly to the differentiation at the PoS. On the paper carrier but also product information can be displayed, so that can be dispensed with large-scale labels.

Processing of cardboard trays
For the processing of carton trays into MAP or skin packaging, MULTIVAC offers both thermoforming packaging machines and tray sealers, which can be equipped with appropriate modules for feeding and removing the trays.

While trays made of cardboard composites are processed on the tray sealer, which can be sorted by type after use, trays made of mono cardboard are used on the thermoforming packaging machine. These are provided in the thermoforming tool of the machine with a corresponding plastic sealing layer, which can also be separated from the carton after use. The requirements for the performance of the packaging solution significantly influence the decision for the respective optimal system.

Processing of cardboard carriers
Skin packaging based on cardboard carriers can be produced on MULTIVAC thermoforming packaging machines as well as on tray sealers. While the traysealer processes carton blanks, the thermoforming packaging machine can use material from the reel, making this technology much more flexible in terms of shape. By processing the material from the roll, there are also significant efficiency benefits.

Processing of formable paper
MAP and skin packaging made from deformable paper composites can also be realized. Paper and cardboard composites with different grammages and different functional layers are used. MULTIVAC thermoforming packaging machines in standard design can be used to produce cavities with a depth of up to 20 mm. Like the previously mentioned packs, this pack can also be sorted according to type using the paper carrier and fed to the recycling circuit.

MULTIVAC competence
In order to achieve optimal results, MULTIVAC supports its customers with comprehensive packaging tests, on the basis of which a holistic evaluation of the packs can be carried out. As a system supplier, MULTIVAC also offers suitable packaging materials that are designed for processing on packaging machines.

The pronounced line competence also enables the development of automatic solutions that fully meet the specific requirements of the processor in terms of performance and process reliability. First customer projects have already been successfully completed.

All in all, MULTIVAC has sufficient experience in the handling of paper-based packagings - and will increasingly focus on innovative packaging concepts at the upcoming trade fairs.

About MULTIVAC
MULTIVAC is one of the world's leading suppliers of packaging solutions for food of all kinds, life science and healthcare products as well as industrial goods. The MULTIVAC portfolio covers almost all requirements of the processors with regard to package design, performance and resource efficiency. It includes various packaging technologies as well as automation solutions, labeling and quality control systems. The offer is rounded off by pre-packaged solutions in the area of ​​portioning and processing. Thanks to comprehensive line competence, all modules can be integrated into holistic solutions. In this way, MULTIVAC solutions ensure high operating and process reliability as well as high efficiency. The MULTIVAC Group employs approximately 5.300 employees worldwide, and its head office in Wolfertschwenden employs some 1.900 employees. With 80 subsidiaries, the company is represented on all continents. More than 1.000 consultants and service technicians around the world put their know-how and experience at the service of the customer and ensure maximum availability of all installed MULTIVAC machines. For more information, see: www.multivac.com