Sappi Europe unveils high-barrier papers for sustainable packaging 

EUROPE – Sappi Europe has introduced two innovative high-barrier papers, Guard Pro OHS and Guard Pro OMH, designed as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and multilayer foils for primary packaging. 

These recyclable monomaterial papers will be showcased at FachPack 2025, held from September 23 – 25 in Nuremberg, Germany, targeting applications like snacks, dry foods, ice cream flow wraps, hygiene products, and children’s items.

Guard Pro OHS, a heat-sealable paper, provides robust protection against oxygen, water vapor, grease, and mineral oil contaminants, ensuring extended shelf life and preserved product quality. 

Available in natural and gloss finishes, it supports direct food contact and meets toy safety standards. Its enhanced mechanical properties improve performance on high-speed packaging lines. 

Guard Pro OMH, tailored for cold-seal applications, offers comparable barrier protection with a smooth surface ideal for metallization, enabling ultra-high barrier solutions. It also comes in natural and glossy versions.

In a statement, Filip van Ranst, sales director at Sappi, said, “With Guard Pro OHS and Guard Pro OMH, we’re giving the market more flexibility and choice when selecting recyclable, high-barrier papers.” 

He emphasized that these solutions allow brands to achieve sustainability goals while maintaining efficiency and performance on existing manufacturing lines.

The launch responds to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, effective since February 2025, which mandates recyclable packaging by 2030 and aims to cut packaging waste by 15% by 2040. 

Sappi’s papers are engineered to meet these requirements, offering practical options for brands transitioning from non-recyclable materials.

Recent industry developments highlight growing momentum in sustainable packaging. A report by a leading materials company noted a 6.24% annual growth rate in the barrier paper market, projecting it to reach US$11.2 billion by 2032. 

This growth is driven by rising demand for eco-friendly solutions in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors, spurred by consumer awareness and stricter regulations. 

Additionally, another firm announced a new eco-line of barrier bottles at Pharmapack Europe 2025, reducing bottle weight by 30% while maintaining moisture and oxygen protection, signaling a broader industry shift toward sustainable innovation.

Sappi’s Guard portfolio also includes other functional papers like Guard Duo, currently tested for ice cream cone sleeves and block-bottom bags, and Guard Twist Gloss, a wax-free option for confectionery. 

These efforts demonstrate Sappi’s commitment to providing versatile, recyclable packaging solutions that meet diverse industry needs without compromising functionality.

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