However, brands are coming under increasing consumer pressure to reduce, remove or replace plastic due to environmental concerns, and while some progress has been made, until now there have been no credible alternatives available. A major change in the way we package food requires the development of a truly innovative product that delivers the same performance as plastic.
“A key advantage that plastic brings to food packaging is that it prevents oxygen from getting into contact with the food,” explains Christophe Jordan, Managing Director of the Translucent Paper business at Arjowiggins. “This ensures maximum freshness throughout the supply chain right through to the point of consumption.
“For our translucent barrier paper to be used in the current packaging lines producing pouches, sachets and flow wraps, we need partners to further extend the inherent functionalities of Sylvicta,” Jordan explains. “A perfect example of this is our collaboration with cutting-edge UK converter Sirane, which has worked with us to develop ultra-high barrier packaging options by adding high-moisture protection and heat-sealability properties.
Evolving consumer attitudes mean that the public wants to be part of the solution and will embrace certain trade-offs when the protection of the planet is at stake. “Take France,” says Jordan. “Over the last eight years, the vast majority of open fridges in the supermarkets have been replaced by doors requiring extra effort to open – which could have had a negative effect on sales, but has had no apparent impact while achieving massive CO savings.