Jujo Finland and HP work together to develop packaging bags using recyclable water-based barrier coating

Finland-based Jujo Thermal, one of the leading suppliers of thermal papers, has teamed up with HP Indigo to print recyclable Shieldplus water-based barrier coated paper on an HP Indigo 25K digital press and convert it into renewable high-barrier water-based coated packaging.

Shieldplus water-based barrier coated paper, a viable alternative to current barrier film packaging made of plastic or aluminum, is made of paper-based fibers coated with a water-based barrier coating and is designed for direct contact with dry, moist and greasy foods. The material offers an optimal balance between low weight and high barrier properties, providing excellent protection against gases, solvents and mineral oils.

In recent tests, both companies produced paper bag samples using unbleached Shieldplus BR 60 and Shieldplus Graphic 65 grades. Both grades offer barrier properties to water vapor and oxygen, making them suitable for direct contact with dry, moist and greasy foods. In addition, both grades are recyclable, and Shieldplus BR 60 is also biodegradable. The samples were printed on an HP Indigo 25K Digital Press.

Toshihiro Sawamura, CEO of Jujo Thermal, said: "We are delighted to be able to showcase the sustainable, renewable food packaging industry with the high-quality printing of Shieldplus water-based barrier coated paper on HP Indigo digital presses. We are encouraging our customers to think about the life cycle and develop applications that support the concept of sustainability."

Regina Guslitzer, Global Sustainability and Applications Product Manager at HP Indigo, added: "As the only field-proven printing solution provider for the flexible packaging industry, HP Indigo presses can print on virtually any available water-based barrier coated substrate. Our partnership with Jujo Thermal and Shieldplus allows us to contribute to a more sustainable food industry with 100% recyclable, environmentally friendly packaging."

HP is actively investing in the growing water-based barrier coated paper packaging market and sees Jujo Thermal as a valuable partner in producing recyclable water-based barrier coated paper designed for flexible food packaging.