04.08.21
Siegwerk and Kotkamills, a Finnish paper and paperboard manufacturer, joined to create innovative solutions for printers and producers of fiber-based packaging to further drive packaging circularity.
Under the motto “Together we accelerate change for good," this partnership aims to provide the market with highly sustainable and eco-friendly solutions by combining the latest technologies of both companies.
The collaboration is based on the potential of water-based dispersion barrier coated paperboard to replace traditional polyethylene (PE) coated board. Thus, the switch in coating not only offers an economic driver to collectors and recyclers but also reduces the environmental impact of the packaging.
Since 2018, Kotkamills has used its technology to produce barrier boards for hot cup and food packaging end uses, in addition to folding boxboard grades, providing the markets with a real sustainable alternative.
The new water-based dispersion barriers make the paperboard compostable, repulpable and easy to recycle; the fibers used are from sustainable PEFC and FSC certified sources.
Siegwerk’s newest sustainable inks and coating intensify the superior printing properties of Kotkamills’ paperboard, resulting in excellent printing performance and high-quality surface protection.
“With UniNATURE, our recently launched water-based ink system formulated with renewable and natural components, we add a sustainable ink and coating solution for improved packaging recyclability,” said David Charquet, International Key Account director Europe Business Unit Paper & Board at Siegwerk.
“As a pioneer developing innovative and easily recyclable water-based dispersion barrier paperboards for various packaging solutions, we are very pleased that our collaborative effort with Siegwerk is bearing fruits that the packaging industry and printers can benefit from by offering to brand owners and consumers high-quality and genuinely sustainable products. Together we accelerate change for good," said Päivi Suutari, VP RDI at Kotkamills. “Circularity is essential now and will be even more so in the coming years.”
Together the two partners offer the packaging markets a viable alternative to replacing traditional plastic coatings in fiber-based packaging, improving recyclability and circularity and resulting in an increased value of wastepaper, improved fiber recovery, and a noticeable reduction of waste. The partners’ solutions are designed to help converters and brand owners to deliver more sustainable packaging alternatives and thereby create value for a Circular Economy going forward.
The combination of Siegwerk’s profound ink expertise and packaging application know-how and Kotkamills’ innovative paperboard products enables the partners to develop cutting-edge solutions for packaging printers and producers, and thus together build a sustainable and circular future.
