Ahlstrom, a leading innovator in the field of sustainable materials, has made significant strides in base paper technology to develop replacement solutions for plastic and film packaging. Through continuous innovation and collaboration with brand owners, Ahlstrom has harnessed specific technology that allows for the production of highly advanced base papers, which address the barrier requirements in flexible packaging while capitalizing on the inherent recyclability of paper.
With its unique range of capabilities and extensive technical expertise, Ahlstrom has been able to create some of the most high-performance base papers in the industry. "Paper substrates can be engineered to leverage the inherent properties of cellulose itself," explained Zack Leimkuehler, Vice President of Business Development at Ahlstrom. "Cellulose is an excellent barrier material, and through the development of advanced base papers, we can deliver superior barrier properties."
Paper is an ideal material for flexible packaging applications due to its flexibility, foldability, printability, and compatibility with sealing and gluing processes. Additionally, paper performs exceptionally well throughout challenging converting processes.
Through extensive research, Ahlstrom has continuously advanced its base paper development to achieve barrier properties that are crucial for unlocking the sustainability benefits of paper in flexible packaging. By optimizing base paper properties, Ahlstrom has dramatically improved the performance of paper in terms of barrier functionality.
"Our developed base papers are the best in creating flexible packaging with advanced barrier technology," added Leimkuehler. "The commercialized end-use packaging applications we have introduced are the first in the world to exhibit all the necessary attributes required to replace traditional plastic-based structures. We have successfully developed and launched solutions that substitute PFAS with our proprietary FluoroFree® technology, offering grease-barrier performance equivalent to historical standards. For instance, leveraging this knowledge, we have unlocked the potential for replacing plastic components in traditional pet food bags with materials that maintain freshness and storage while offering a recyclable solution suitable for curbside recycling."
Robin Guillaud, Executive Vice President of Sustainability, Innovation, and Marketing at Ahlstrom, emphasized their commitment to pushing the boundaries of fiber-based flexible packaging. "Continuous base paper innovation, product development, and design are deeply ingrained in Ahlstrom's DNA. This enables us to respond to the evolving needs of our customers, which are influenced by end-user behavior. We remain flexible throughout the value chain, allowing for rapid market entry of sustainable packaging solutions. These efforts solidify Ahlstrom's position as the preferred supplier of specialty sustainable packaging in the market."
