Paper provider Sappi has expanded its functional packaging paper portfolio with the launch of a new range of heat-sealable papers, designed to help converters, printers, and brand owners move towards fibre-based alternatives to plastic.
The Seal range – comprising Seal Silk, Seal G Silk, Seal Pure Silk, Seal Natural, Seal Light, and Seal Lucent – offers a choice of grammages, finishes, and sealing performances. Designed for smooth integration into existing packaging lines, the portfolio supports a variety of flexible packaging applications without the need for major equipment changes.
Spanning 44–110gsm, the range includes options such as OBA-free (Optical Brightening Agents) grades and translucent papers, allowing customers to select materials that suit their pack format, visual requirements, and production processes. Sappi says the portfolio responds to growing regulatory pressure, including the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), as well as increasing global demand for recyclable packaging.
Each Seal grade is engineered for different sealing strengths, print methods, and production setups. The papers support flexographic and gravure printing, deliver reliable sealing and strong mechanical performance, and are designed to run consistently on existing converting equipment, explained Sappi.
“We’re seeing brand owners, converters and printers look for practical ways to change their packaging without adding risk or cost,” said Michael Bethge, sales director flexible packaging at Sappi. “They want choice and technical support rather than one fixed solution, and the Seal range reflects that.”
The Seal papers are suitable for primary and secondary packaging where low-to-medium barrier performance is sufficient. Typical applications include confectionery multipacks, pillow bags, sachets, stick packs, doypacks, and stand-up pouches, as well as a range of food and non-food products.
Designed as mono-material paper solutions, the Seal range is recyclable in the paper waste stream where suitable systems exist and is intended to replace PE-coated papers and many plastic-based laminates. Sappi also supports customers during trial runs, providing guidance on sealing parameters and converting set-ups.
