Billerud replaces plastic with recyclable, heat-sealable wrapping paper

Billerud's new heat-sealable paper is designed to be a fossil-free, low-carbon and recyclable alternative to plastic packaging, without requiring major adjustments to existing equipment.

With upcoming regulations to crack down on single-use plastic packaging, ConFlex HeatSeal is designed to fit seamlessly into existing equipment and production lines; Billerud clarified that "some adjustments" may be required, but he insisted that no major investment is required.

The company describes the solution's sealing performance as "robust" and points to its "premium" look and feel, with "sustainability" clearly a visible part of the product experience.

The paper is also fully recyclable in existing recycling systems, scoring 18 out of 20 in tests conducted by the Confederation of the European Paper Industry (CEPI). As a result, it is expected to reduce waste, keep valuable materials in circulation and contribute to the circular economy.

According to Billerud, ConFlex HeatSeal has already been applied to bedding by a large Swedish furniture brand; it is now expected to be expanded to industrial and hygiene packaging applications.

Robert Torstensson, Vice President of Billerud's Business Area Paper, said: "With conlex HeatSeal, we are offering a commercially viable, heat-sealable paper that supports companies in their transition away from plastics. It offers strong sealing properties and recyclability in existing paper recycling systems and works in slightly modified conversion processes, in which Billerud provides transition support. It is exciting to see how we are achieving our goal of making high-performance packaging materials for a low-carbon society through innovation."

Last year, UPM Specialty Papers and Unipaco unveiled similar progress; their recyclable, heat-sealable packaging for salad and herb jars met Germany's 95/5 mono-material requirement, where mono-component materials are considered to account for 95% of the packaging mass.

As well as conlex HeatSeal, Mondi's Protector bag ExpandForm is also being used in Megaflex Schaumstoff's backpack mattresses to replace conventional plastics.

Billerud previously revealed a surface-treated paper made from virgin fiber for cold-seal coating applications in the medical sector, including plaster wrapping and packaging for disposable gloves.