Volpak, a Coesia company specialising in form-fill-seal packaging, and Lecta, one of Europe's leading manufacturers and distributors of specialty papers, have embarked on a collaborative project to test and validate sustainable packaging materials. Lecta, with its expertise in paper, recognised the importance of working with Volpak to ensure that these new materials can be used effectively in existing plants. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between material innovation and practical application, ensuring that environmentally friendly papers meet the operational requirements of modern packaging lines.
Sustainability and market trends
According to a report by Bain & Company, 71% of European consumers and a similar percentage of US consumers express a preference for buying sustainable products, many of whom prefer products with minimal or recyclable packaging. In addition, a study conducted by NIQ and McKinsey found that 92% of shoppers consider sustainability a relevant factor when choosing a brand, highlighting the growing consumer expectation for environmentally friendly packaging solutions (NIQ).
Sustainability and market trends
The shift towards sustainable packaging is being driven by both regulatory pressure and consumer demand. According to a report by Bain & Company, 71% of European consumers and a similar percentage of US consumers express a preference for purchasing sustainable products, with many preferring products that use minimal or recyclable packaging (Bain). In addition, a study by NIQ and McKinsey found that 92% of shoppers consider sustainability an important factor when choosing a brand, highlighting the growing consumer expectation for environmentally friendly packaging solutions (NIQ).
By focusing on paper-based packaging that is recyclable and in line with the principles of the circular economy, Volpak and Lecta are responding to these consumer preferences and helping to reduce the environmental impact of packaging.
Development of ecological papers
Lecta is at the forefront of the development of specialty papers, using its technological know-how and manufacturing capabilities. These papers are designed to maintain environmentally friendly properties while providing essential protection such as barriers against water vapour, grease, oxygen and alcohol. In particular, these papers are recyclable and can be processed in standard paper recycling cycles, in line with the principles of the circular economy.
The main objective of this joint project is to explore the use of Lecta's sustainable papers in flexible packaging. The potential applications cover a wide range of sectors. The versatility of these new papers extends to food service articles, including cups, demonstrating their wide applicability.
Volpak's role in this project is to carry out tests to evaluate the performance of these materials. These tests are carried out in Volpak's 'Pouch Lab', an in-house research and development facility designed to evaluate the processability and durability of new materials. The Pouch Lab allows real production conditions to be simulated, ensuring that environmentally friendly papers can be seamlessly integrated into existing packaging processes without compromising efficiency or quality.
