A new translucent barrier paper, Sylvicta has been developed by Arjowiggins, a Scottish independent paper manufacturer as a sustainable alternative to plastics in packaging.
Through precision fibre refining, Arjowiggins’ research and development teams have developed the translucent paper with a natural bonding without the need of any harmful chemicals. The result is a paper with a barrier to oxygen, aroma, mineral oils, and fatty foodstuffs.
According to Spicers, by answering the market need for sustainable alternatives to single-use packaging and flexible laminates, Sylvicta offers brands a high-quality barrier packaging solution that enables brands to reduce or even eradicate the use of plastics in their packaging.
Circular Economy
The company considers Sylvicta as a solution for creating a globally sustainable, circular economy, especially as it can integrate into existing recycling schemes. Sylvicta’s has a high barrier to oxygen which is the leading cause of food spoilage. This means it can also reduce food waste by prolonging shelf life.
Meanwhile, Arjowiggins is working with packaging converters to open up what it says is an endless array of applications from pouches for dry fruits, bags for salads, sachets for solid soap, sacks for pet food and flow-packs for chocolate bars, through to metallised versions of Sylvicta for butter or margarine packaging.
Sylvicta was created as part of the Arjowiggins mission to help create a circular economy society.
In evidence of its sustainable properties, the paper is fully recyclable, compostable, marine degradable, and made from renewable raw materials.
Spicers general manager supply chain and product segments Ken Booth said that despite the ongoing global movement towards more sustainable packaging solutions, plastics still make up a significant proportion of the market, largely for practical reasons.
“Until now, most of the existing offer, mainly in single-use packaging, use unrecyclable, multi-layered laminates incorporating plastics or aluminium foil.
“With Sylvicta, the majority of current plastic or foil packaging needs can be turned into an environmentally friendly, fully recyclable, compostable and biodegradable paper-based packaging solution.”
Sylvicta benefits from the environmental standards set by Arjowiggins Translucent Papers business and is FSC and PEFC-certified, produced on a site that is ISO 14001-compliant and is carbon-offset through the World Land Trust’s Carbon Balanced programme.
