Strategic partnership for the development of fibre-based packaging: Printing ink manufacturer Siegwerk co-operates with Finnish paper and board manufacturer Kotkamills.
The aim of the event „Together for sustainable change“ The aim of the partnership is to further advance the recyclability of packaging and develop innovative solutions for printers and manufacturers of fibre-based packaging. The collaboration between Siegwerk and Kotkamills is based on replacing the conventional coating of cardboard made from polyethylene (PE) with a Barrier made of water-based dispersion varnish to replace it. Changing the coating not only provides an economic incentive for waste collection and recycling companies, but also reduces the environmental impact of the individual packaging.
Kotkamills has been producing barrier cardboard for hot beverage cups and food packaging as well as folding carton types since 2018, which it claims offer a sustainable alternative. New water-based dispersion barriers also make the cardboard compostable, repulpable and easy to recycle. The fibres used come from sustainable PEFC and FSC-certified sources. The latest sustainable colours and varnishes from Siegwerk, printing ink supplier for packaging applications and labels, intensify the printing properties of the Kotkamills cardboard even further, resulting in excellent printing performance and high-quality surface protection.
Siegwerk and Kotkamills plan sustainable cooperation
„With Uninature, our recently launched water-based colour system consisting of renewable and natural components, we are adding a sustainable colour and coating solution to our portfolio for improved recyclability of packaging“, explains David Charquet, International Key Account Director Europe Business Unit Paper & Board at Siegwerk. And he adds that Siegwerk and Kotkamills are pursuing the development goal of recyclable packaging in the sense of a circular economy.
It is clear that circularity will become even more important in the coming years. Päivi Suutari, VP RDI at Kotkamills, is convinced. Together with Siegwerk, they can now promote sustainable change. He explains: „As a pioneer in the development of innovative and easily recyclable cartons with a water-based dispersion barrier for various packaging solutions, we are very pleased that our collaboration with Siegwerk is beginning to bear fruit, enabling the packaging industry and printers to offer brand owners and consumers high-quality and truly sustainable products.“
The two companies are focussing on long-term cooperation and are planning further joint projects.
Source: Siegwerk
