Ahlstrom

Aiming to reduce plastic waste and environmental impact, Ahlstrom has introduced MasterTape Cristal, its transparent paper-based tape backing made from renewable materials.

Ahlstrom says the tape can be used for a wide range of applications from gift wrapping to packaging and office use, offering similar strength and transparency to traditional plastic tape and ensuring no compromise on quality. Apparently, the solution is also recyclable and suitable for composting.

“MasterTape Cristal is the result of a close collaboration with different stakeholders, including customers and suppliers. MasterTape Cristal has already received enthusiastic feedback from early adopters including schools, offices, retailers, and households, who appreciate its environmental benefits without sacrificing performance,” comments Laurent Lebrette, head of R&D for Ahlstrom’s Tape business.

“We have developed a breakthrough product that enables the transition from plastic to paper, something not previously achieved for transparent materials. MasterTape Cristal is a great example of a solution that we have developed in cooperation with our customers to help them address the challenge of reducing overall climate impact and, more specifically, Scope 3 emissions,” adds Sebastien Ferrari, product manager at Ahlstrom’s Tape business.

Back in January, the company revealed its fibre-based lid for single-serve coffee capsules, said to be certified compostable in home and industrial conditions and designed to replace plastic and aluminium alternatives. The patented structure is compatible with most common bio-based capsules currently on the market.

We recently reported on Lego’s plans to transition completely into ‘sustainability-minded’ packaging materials by 2025, including introducing paper packets to deliver bricks in sets and delivering online orders in ‘100% paper’ packages, including the tape for sealing. Recyclable packaging is set to be introduced across its core products, licensed products made by company partners, and all other areas of its business.

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