Last month, Smurfit Kappa launched AquaStop, a sustainable water-resistant paper packaging solution. The product is part of the new TechniPaper portfolio, which includes high-performance papers designed for handling the variety of requirements that are faced in complex supply chains.
AquaStop stands out thanks to its unique ability to resist exposure to water while being fully recyclable in standard recycling mills.
Lars Henricksson, VP of product development at Smurfit Kappa Paper Division explained: “Throughout the production process of the AquaStop paper, a special coating is added which in turn creates a water-resistant capability. The special coating is an important part of the manufacturing process, and unlike many other coatings, the product can be recycled in the same way as standard paper-based packaging”.
Some of AquaStop’s potential uses include replacing such as single-use plastics and other materials, making it an ideal solution for businesses that transport goods in conditions where the box is temporarily exposed to direct water contact.
“Our product development team has been working dedicated to develop something that offers both the required functionality and at the same time is 100% recyclable in standard recycling mills. This has given a unique combination of functionality and sustainability credentials. The focus is on designing the optimal packaging where AquaStop can replace today’s 100% plastic solutions or replace laminated products which requires special recycling technologies” said Henricksson.
As packaging is responsible for a 3-15% share in the packaged good’s environmental footprint, the company says it emphasises on sustainability. “Our focus on the development of AquaStop has been on finding a new solution that offers the same product qualities as older water-resistant packaging materials, but that can be easily recycled within efficient, existing recycling infrastructure and in an energy-efficient manner” added Henricksson.
The material can be placed in the regular paper recycling system, be repulped in the same manner as any paper, and is able to maintain the fibre recycling yield that would be lost in some alternative materials. AquaStop is made from renewable raw materials and produced from Chain of Custody (CoC) certified fibres and delivered with full FSC CoC.
