Smurfit Kappa has joined forces with Mitsubishi HiTec Paper to create a new type of board-based food packaging that is fully recyclable. The outer board is made from Smurfit Kappa’s MB12 solution that features built-in adsorption technology to protect against aromas and possible migration of substances.
Meanwhile, the inner packaging, which contains Mitsubishi HiTec Paper’s Barricote barrier paper, is said to offer protection against moisture and grease. The companies said the solution demonstrates the possibility to create functional board-based packaging that is fully recyclable “thanks to the optimised use of renewable raw materials in the barrier”.
“It has been a very interesting and collaborative process for us working with Mitsubishi HiTec Paper on this project,” said Lars Henriksson, VP of product development of the Smurfit Kappa Paper Division.
“The fibres that our industry-leading paper is made from are an excellent solution for a huge range of products due to a range of attributes, not least their inherent sustainability.”
Dr Dieter Becker, director of new business development & CSR at Mitsubishi HiTec Paper, added: “As experts in specialty paper coatings, we brought our know-how in barrier and protective coatings to this process. “Our solutions are completely free from foil, laminates, aluminium and fluorocarbons. Instead, we rely on the highest possible percentage of biodegradable resources, which is why Smurfit Kappa’s MB12 solution was the right one.”
Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe is a German subsidiary of Mitsubishi Paper Mills. Last month, Smurfit Kappa announced plans to build a new beverage carton recycling plant in the Netherlands in collaboration with HVC and Bluemats.