Smurfit Kappa combines expertise with Mitsubishi HiTec Paper to create innovative food packaging
The Better Planet Packaging
As part of its ongoing Better Planet Packaging initiative, Smurfit Kappa has collaborated with one of its partners, Mitsubishi HiTec Paper, to create a new type of innovative and recyclable food-safe packaging.
A combination of Smurfit Kappa’s expertise in paper-based packaging and Mitsubishi HiTec Paper’s strength in coated papers has led to the first product in the new range being shortlisted as a finalist in the Swiss Packaging Awards.
Protection against aromas and migration of substances
The outer board-based packaging was made from Smurfit Kappa’s ground-breaking MB12 packaging solution which has unique, built-in adsorption technology which protects against aromas and possible migration of substances.
The inner packaging, which contains Mitsubishi HiTec Paper’s BARRICOTE barrier paper, offers protection against moisture and grease and has heat-sealing properties.
This unique 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.”
Experts in specialty paper coatings
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.”
Hobako AG, a Swiss producer of chocolate products, together with Schelling AG, its Swiss packaging provider, were the first to use the new board-based packaging solution which was shortlisted as a finalist in both the sustainability and technology categories of the Swiss Packaging Awards earlier this year.
What is the Smurfit Kappa MB12 technology?
The Smurfit Kappa MB12 technology is designed to prevent the migration of mineral oil into packaged food.
MB12’s efficiency has been verified by Eurofins, the leader in food and pharmaceutical product testing, to give customers full confidence that the primary packaging acts as a barrier to provide robust protection against outside influences.
MB12 is made using natural ingredients in recycled board. It is 100 percent recyclable and can be delivered as FSC chain-of-custody certified.
Available in a range of weights, MB12 also protects against organoleptic effects of taste and odour into the food.
