Sappi unleashes Seal family of heat-sealable papers for plastic-free packaging transition

SOUTH AFRICA – Sappi has launched its full Seal family of heat-sealable papers, offering six grades across weights from 44 gsm to 110 gsm, designed to help converters and brand owners transition from plastic to recyclable mono-material packaging without compromising sealing performance.

The Seal portfolio, comprising Seal Silk, Seal G Silk, Seal Pure Silk, Seal Natural, Seal Light, and Seal Lucent, covers a broad range of applications while supporting smooth integration into existing packaging lines.

With multiple finishes, including OBA-free and translucent options, customers can select a grade that fits their pack format and production process.

By the Numbers: A Portfolio Built for Scale

Seal Silk and Seal G Silk are available in weights from 50 gsm to 110 gsm, offering low-to-medium water vapour performance with flexo and gravure compatibility.

Seal Pure Silk at 67 gsm is OBA-free, while Seal Natural at 95 gsm provides strong sealing strength.

Seal Light Gloss (54 gsm) and Seal Light Natural (44 gsm) support flexo and gravure printing, with the latter being OBA-free. Seal Lucent serves applications requiring translucency.

Addressing Regulatory and Market Pressures

The launch arrives as companies face pressure from the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which mandates all packaging to be recyclable by 2030.

Changing customer expectations are driving demand for recyclable packaging, yet companies still need stable sealing results. Sappi notes the Seal portfolio makes it easier to move from plastic to mono-material paper solutions.

Reliable Performance for Industrial Adoption

All Seal papers are designed for consistent sealing and runnability, with mechanical strength supporting stable processing and transport.

The papers deliver accurate print results, helping brands achieve clear visual appeal on shelf.

Michael Bethge, Sappi’s flexible packaging sales director, explained that brand owners and converters are looking for reliable ways to change packaging without adding risk or cost.

He noted clients need practical choices rather than one fixed solution, along with technical support during transition.

Building on Recent Innovation

The Seal launch follows Sappi’s January expansion of its functional packaging papers portfolio.

The company’s specialty paper division has been investing to meet growing demand for fibre-based alternatives to plastics, with the global paper packaging market projected to reach approximately US$530 billion by 2030.

What This Means for Packaging

For converters and brand owners navigating the transition from plastic to paper, the Seal family offers a practical toolkit: six grades, multiple finishes, and performance characteristics that match diverse production setups.

By providing heat-sealable papers that work with existing flexo and gravure lines, Sappi removes a significant barrier to adoption, making the shift to recyclable packaging not just possible, but practical.

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