Ahlstrom in Partnership with Sustainable Packaging Producer The Paper People develop Fiber-based Frozen Food Packaging
Sustainable, paper-based frozen food packaging is now a reality! Ahlstrom and The Paper People LLC have codeveloped and launched an innovative and sustainable solution for frozen food packaging.
Tampere, Finland, August 24, 2023 – This new line of fully fiber-based, recyclability-certified packaging is specifically designed to replace traditional fossil-based plastic and films for frozen food packaging.
“This new package is designed to be used on existing packaging equipment including vertical form-fill-seal, stand-up pouches and SOS style systems,” said Neil Bretl, President for The Paper People. “The package can also be used in flow wrap and bundle wrap applications. We worked diligently to ensure these materials could easily replace traditional non-renewable substrates on existing equipment.”
In addition, the paper frozen food package is available with the Paper Peoples’ Paperlock™ G technology, an FDA approved direct food contact heat-seal material and grease barrier that keeps grease from migrating off such food products as fries, tater tots, onion rings, and pizza rolls to the outside of the package. This packaging can be printed in up to 10 colors using both flexographic and digital printing and is available with a compostable zipper in both standard and inno-lok style configurations.
The Paper People LLC technology combined with Ahlstrom’s proprietary FluoroFree® barrier papers achieve significant grease-resistance and allows for a true replacement of traditional non-renewable packaging.
“Our BoundlessBarriers® technologies are helping our customers achieve the next generation of truly sustainable packaging,” explained Mark Ushpol, Executive Vice President for Ahlstrom’s Food & Consumer Packaging Division. “Included in this portfolio of barrier ranges is our PFAS-free FluoroFree® technology which boasts the highest levels of grease-resistance currently available in the marketplace.”
“Collaborative partnerships, such as this frozen food development with the Paper People, are what’s needed to continue to push the boundaries of creating more renewable and sustainable packaging that has a better end-of-life,” Ushpol continued.
Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. We serve five growing and distinctive end markets, which form the basis for our five divisions: Filtration, Food & Consumer Packaging, Healthcare, Building Materials, and Technical Materials. Our net sales in 2022 for continuing operations amounted to EUR 3.3 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more at www.ahlstrom.com
The Paper People in brief
The company was established in 2019 as a result of a pressing retail demand for an automated, 100 percent recyclable/compostable package in the United States. Armed with industry-leading technology and partners, The Paper People LLC is uniquely positioned to establish a leading role in the developing sustainable global packaging industry. The Paper People LLC management team has more than 150 years of combined experience in the packaging industry. This diverse group of entrepreneurial thinkers brings experience in paper, corrugated, plastics, laminating, printing, converting, and distribution to the table to reengineer and reinvent the sustainable packaging options in the market. Read more at www.paperpeopleusa.com
