An eco-friendly, food-friendly, stretchable and mouldable plastic alternative has entered the market.
After years of development, the product, called FibreForm, is claimed to be the first 3D formable (stretchable) paper, opening the way for a number of applications.
One of these is the sustainable FreeFormPack solution – the result of a joint venture between Swedish companies FibreForm Packaging and BillerudKorsnäs.
The paper is made of 100 per cent primary fibres that can be bent and stretched, and the sides of the package can be macro-formed. More 3D designs than before are possible, and its form and feel open up new avenues for creative packaging.
BillerudKorsnäs marketing director Peter Malmqvist said owners of individual brands now had the potential for stronger shelf impact, and many would benefit from a new system for forming, filling and sealing products.
”The result is a highly cost-efficient supply chain process from reel to reel,” he said.
Some other features of FibreForm are as follows:
• It helps enhance the look and feel of traditional folding cards with striking embossing features:
• It is a printable and more eco-friendly alternative to plastic that can be used on existing thermoforming equipment to produce things like trays used in the packaging of foods:
• As an insulation material on paper cups it allows for the creation of unique designs:
• It allows for a growing range of customisable 3D, fibre-based, packaging solutions:
• It aims to assure the control of both the manufacturing process and sale of complete packaging solutions including paper, the moulding machine and service.
• It facilitates the entire packaging process for brand owners, many of which are offering organic and eco-friendly products.
