SWM International believes that true innovation starts where performance meets purpose. In this edition of the Spotlight, the company explains how it is reimagining packaging across its operations in France, developing ultra lightweight papers designed to reduce plastic use without compromising on quality, functionality, or appearance.
From translucent papers that rival plastic film to breathable, heat-sealable options for specialized applications, our team is pushing the boundaries of what paper can do. These advances reflect not only our technical expertise but also our deep commitment to sustainability and practical innovation.
High-performance papers for today’s packaging challenges
As demand grows for sustainable alternatives to plastic, our technical experts, product developers, and scientists have focused on creating ultra lightweight translucent papers that combine visual clarity with technical reliability. These papers are heat-sealable, making them ideal for a variety of final packaging applications, such as dry goods pouches.
In collaboration with a key partner, we have developed porous papers that uniquely maintain breathability even after heat-seal coating. This makes them especially useful for applications like textile packaging, where air circulation is essential. It’s a breakthrough that opens entirely new possibilities for paper-based solutions in industries traditionally dominated by plastic.
We’re also continuing to push the limits of translucency. Our latest developments are bringing us closer to highly translucent papers with very low opacity, designed to replace film-based packaging while still offering critical features like resistance and secure sealing.
Sustainable by design, versatile by nature
Sustainability isn’t an afterthought at SWM as it’s built into every step of our process. All our packaging papers are made from natural, biodegradable fibres. We also manufacture our papers with alternative raw materials, including botanical fibres like hemp, flax, and even by-products such as cocoa shells. These materials are processed in our French facilities, helping to shorten supply chains and strengthen our circular economy approach.
Our portfolio covers a wide range of ultra lightweight papers, available in multiple colours, opacity levels, and finishes. They’re certified for food contact and designed for excellent printability, making them as attractive as they are responsible. Whether it’s wrapping luxury goods, hygiene products, or food items, our papers combine aesthetic value with technical performance.
A smarter future for paper-based packaging
The world of packaging is changing fast, and we’re proud to be helping to lead that change. At SWM International, we’re proving that paper can do more, offering solutions that are not only sustainable but also intelligent, ultra lightweight, and ready for use. What we do across our different mills is more than innovation, it’s a vision for the future of packaging that’s already taking shape.
This content was sponsored by SWM International.
