Mercian Labels are delighted to launch the UK’s first 100% recyclable, water based, digitally printed, flexible paper packaging product, developed in conjunction with our digital print partners at SCREEN, and the paper manufacturing experts at SAPPI, on behalf of the specialty chocolate makers at Whitakers.
100% Recyclable substrate
With a growing interest in sustainable packaging, manufacturers have long been searching for a more sustainable packaging material which doesn’t rely on traditional (fossil fuel based) OPP plastic flexible packaging.
There have been trials & even products before offering flexible packaging using a paper substrate, but they always used a polymer laminate to provide the required barrier properties, which ultimately meant that the packaging cannot be 100% recycled in standard household waste recycling streams, but with the advent of this new innovation from SAPPI, all that has now changed.
The barrier properties of the new paper are created by a water-based polymer solution, which will break down in the same way as the rest of the household paper and cardboard waste.
Low impact printing
As ever, digital printing is ideal for short to medium run projects and for ramping up production volumes in the early stages of market development. The use of digital print files reduces costs, significantly reduces lead times, and provides incredible flexibility and agility, enabling customers to quickly and easily adapt and update their brand messaging and ease product customisation.
Again, many of the benefits of digital printing have been seen before, but SCREEN’s new water based, food compliant inks further improve this product’s sustainable & environmental credentials.
To explore the potential of this innovative product yourselves, visit our stand (J82) in Hall 7, where you’ll be able to experience the future of sustainable packaging, as SCREEN, SAPPI & Mercian Labels’ collaboration for Whitakers chocolates will be showcased for the first time.
