If there’s one subject that’s been particularly hotly debated since the impact of plastic waste on the environment was revealed, it’s that of alternative solutions. Particularly in the field of packaging. Taking inventory of the harmful effects of plastic on the oceans, our rivers, our countryside and our cities is one thing. Finding alternative, functional materials, without harmful consequences for the environment, is a very complex undertaking.

Certainly, there is urgency. In addition to the nuisances identified to fauna and flora, we cannot ignore the cost of plastic pollution to human lives, how it affects the health of the population, and generates astronomical costs in terms of care, sorting, disposal, incineration, etc.

There is, however, no point in developing new materials, only to find that they do not fulfil their essential functions as barriers and protectors towards human and animal foods. Worse still, if the promises in terms of recyclability and/or compostability are not kept.

Our principals, Mosaico, are at the forefront of this diversification. Several options were explored before they decided to market their new range of papers. Their new range of surface-treated papers is a  viable alternative to traditional laminates, and, furthermore, is either recyclable or compostable.

The range will be developed over the coming months, as specifications are approved by our technical departments and accredited auditors. To date, it consists of three types of paper:

• BioCoated Kraft and BioCoated Brown Kraft are extrusion-coated MG bleached and unbleached kraft
  papers, compostable in accordance with standard EN 13 432.
• Naturseal,  is produced using dispersion coating technology. The choice of this method is
  mainly dictated by one objective: perfect recyclability once the product is at the end of its life.
• SigmaKraft Seal: just like its little brother, Naturseal, this quality is coated by dispersion
  on the reverse side. However, the base paper is a one-side clay coated paper, with outstanding mechanical characteristics and printability, suited for more demanding applications.

This first range now replaces polyethylene and even polypropylene coated papers, with excellent results in terms of heat resistance, printability and conversion on high-speed machines. These products can be used for a wide range of applications: the packaging of starch, the packaging of cereals, cereal flour and semolina; bags of dry pasta, biscuits and pastries without surface fat; the packaging of packaging sugar, milk powder, cocoa, coffee, spices and flavourings.

Far from being exhaustive, this list will be enriched over the coming months with a large number of  products, when our papers will have barriers to grease, liquids, and water vapor. Test reels of the first 3 papers are already available. Please do not hesitate to contact your usual sales representative to find out about possible delivery times.