Stora Enso launches recyclable packaging board grade for frozen and chilled food packaging

FINLAND – Finnish pulp and paper maker Stora Enso has launched a circular packaging material, Tambrite Aqua+, for frozen and chilled food packaging.

Tambrite Aqua+ is designed to lower the need for fossil-based plastics and improve recyclability after the use of the packaging.

Tambrite folding box board offers stiffness and bulk along with extra printability, runnability, and robustness.

According to Stora Enso, Aqua+ is a new water-based dispersion coating that delivers the necessary protection and food safety.

The dispersion coating reduces the use of plastic, which is more prone to costs incurred by packagers, like extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees.

Stora Enso Barrier Solutions business development manager Sofia Hallbäck said: “Consumers have been clear in their wishes to use more circular packaging in their day-to-day lives.

“In Tambrite Aqua+, we are proud to be offering a renewable fiber-based packaging material that is designed for easy recycling.

“This solution proves that the requirements of packaging for frozen and chilled food, as well as the more demanding dry food, can be met using innovative new technology.”

Unveils paperboard tube with a fiber-based closure

Meanwhile, the company in collaboration with Blue Ocean Closures and AISA have developed together the first-ever paperboard tube with a fiber-based closure.

This new, innovative wood fiber-based concept helps brand owners increase the share of renewable material in their packaging.

All components of the tube are designed for recycling. The tube is composed of Stora Enso’s barrier-coated board material Natura Shape™ and a screw cap designed in collaboration with Blue Ocean Closures with assembly by AISA.

The solution contains more than 85% fiber content, the highest proportion available in a tube design. Intended for cosmetics and personal care applications, it is expected to be commercially available in 2024.

As plastic remains the most widely available base material for tubes today, brand owners have faced a challenge when sourcing sustainable alternatives.

Commenting on this development, Martin Hammer, Business Developer at Stora Enso said: “We believe that it is essential to increase fiber content in order to futureproof paperboard tubes with increased recyclability, reduced carbon footprint, and meet consumer expectations for sustainability and user experience.”

This latest improvement was officially unveiled at Interpack 2023, the world’s largest fair for the packaging industry.

Stora Enso first launched its paperboard tube concept in 2019 for cosmetics packaging as a new, climate-friendly alternative to plastic tubes.

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