Enplater and Siegwerk Develop Flexible Mono-PP Packaging with Integrated Barrier and High Sealing Performance
Description
Through close collaboration, both companies have successfully developed a fully recyclable mono-material polypropylene (PP) packaging solution that combines technical innovation and sustainability. This jointly developed project once again demonstrates how inks and coatings, combined with packaging converting expertise, can continue to drive circular innovations.
Siegwerk, one of the world’s leading providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging and label applications, and Enplater Group, a specialist in the printing and production of rigid and flexible packaging, today announced the joint development of an innovative mono-material polypropylene (PP) packaging solution that delivers high technical performance while facilitating recyclability.
The joint development combines Siegwerk’s expertise in high-performance, regulation-compliant ink and coating systems with Enplater’s extensive knowledge and experience in rigid and flexible packaging. Through close collaboration between the technical and R&D teams of both companies, comprehensive testing was carried out under real production conditions, generating data and results that supported the optimization of the new high-barrier mono-material PP packaging structure for food applications.
“As the packaging industry continues its transition toward circular solutions, collaboration across the value chain is essential to drive further innovation,” said Javier García, Sales and Technology Director for the Iberian Peninsula at Siegwerk. “By combining our advanced ink and coating technologies with Enplater’s specialized converting expertise, we have been able to develop a mono-material PP packaging solution that delivers performance comparable to existing multi-material barrier structures, while supporting the material efficiency required to meet the design-for-recycling requirements outlined in the PPWR.”
As part of the project, Siegwerk’s key technology, CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE, was utilized. This solution combines oxygen barrier functionality with white ink and can be applied inline in a single process step. It offers an alternative to PVdC in metallized mixed-material structures (such as met-PET and met-OPP) and certain EVOH-based constructions by simply replacing the standard white backing layer. This provides an additional level of inventory flexibility without requiring additional capital investment. Furthermore, Siegwerk’s latest polyurethane (PU)-based ink systems were used, delivering high print quality and excellent adhesion, making them suitable for flexible packaging applications with demanding barrier requirements.
“The collaboration with Siegwerk has been highly effective, enabling us to advance our mono-material packaging research through the combination of both companies’ expertise and technologies,” added Jordi Feixas, R&D Director at Enplater. “The synergy achieved throughout the project has resulted in a solution that not only delivers reliable production performance but also responds to the growing market demand for recyclable packaging structures.”
The joint project reflects both companies’ commitment to supporting the transition toward more sustainable packaging by providing solutions that address real manufacturing challenges and regulatory compliance requirements in flexible food packaging.
