Smurfit Kappa combines expertise with Mitsubishi HiTec Paper to create innovative food packaging
November 6, 2019As part of its ongoing Better Planet
Packaging initiative, Smurfit Kappa has collaborated with one of its
partners, Mitsubishi HiTec Paper, to create a new type of innovative and
recyclable food-safe packaging.
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
ground-breaking MB12 packaging
solution which has unique, built-in adsorption technology which protects 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.
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 which was shortlisted as a finalist in both the
sustainability and technology categories of the Swiss Packaging Awards earlier
this year