Siegwerk debuts at Paperex with strong push into functional coatings for paperization

INDIA – Siegwerk entered the Paperex platform for the first time in 2025, presenting its steadily expanding portfolio of functional coatings designed for paper, board, and flexible substrates.

The company’s participation comes at a time when global and domestic markets are shifting rapidly toward paperization, driven by sustainability commitments, regulatory pressures, and brand-led demand for recyclable packaging.

Showcasing its latest barrier and performance-enhancing technologies, Siegwerk emphasized its goal of enabling converters and mills to replace plastic laminates with high-performance, recyclable coating systems.

“Paperex serves as the ideal launchpad to build crucial awareness in this relatively new segment for Siegwerk,” said Gilles Le Moigne, BU Head – CE Coatings.

“As the market rapidly moves toward paperization, we are here to partner with converters and mills, delivering the functional coatings that make scalable, plastic-free barrier performance a reality.”

Strengthened portfolio following Allinova acquisition

Siegwerk’s acquisition of Allinova has significantly expanded its global capabilities in heat-seal coatings, a category already well-established in India.

At Paperex, the company engaged with customers to communicate its long-term strategy and consolidate its broader coatings portfolio under the unified Siegwerk brand.

“All customer interactions were very positive. They appreciated that Siegwerk will not only continue supporting the segment but will also localize production to accelerate growth,” Le Moigne said.

The company’s solutions address critical barrier needs including oil and grease resistance (OGR), moisture, water vapour, and heat-seal functionality, all essential for foodservice packaging.

These coatings are set to replace laminated paper in applications such as QSR packaging, airline serviceware, delivery formats, ready-to-eat meals, and the fast-growing paper cup market.

Le Moigne noted that adoption typically begins with premium brands such as global coffee chains and airlines before scaling into the mass market as cost curves decline.

Most coatings are currently manufactured at Siegwerk’s Bhiwadi plant, improving supply chain reliability, shelf life, and competitiveness.

While some speciality grades continue to be imported from Europe, Siegwerk is accelerating localization to support scalability and speed-to-market.

The company also works closely with converters on coating line selection, operator training, and process optimization, a critical capability for firms transitioning from plastic lamination to water-based coatings.

Siegwerk faces competition from global suppliers such as Archroma, Mitsui, and Michelman, along with cost-focused local vendors. Despite this, the company sees collaboration across suppliers as essential to advancing circularity.

India’s coatings demand, including functional, OPV, and service coatings, is estimated between 10,000 and 40,000 tonnes annually, with paper cups representing one of the largest untapped opportunities.

As India’s paper industry moves away from graphic paper and into packaging, Siegwerk expects significant long-term growth for recyclable, performance-driven coating solutions.

With support from global COEs and strict product safety protocols, Siegwerk aims to position its coatings portfolio as a critical enabler of India’s transition toward plastic-free, repulpable packaging.

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