SWM International details its range of lightweight papers - including translucent, coloured and filigree papers with integrated pigments and design patterns - in this edition of the Spotlight.
Across industries, paper packaging has evolved from a sustainable alternative into a strategic design platform. At SWM International, this evolution defines our approach as paper manufacturer: we see paper not just as a renewable material, but as a vehicle for innovation, one that brings together sustainability, precision, and creative design potential.
According to PR Newswire, the global paper packaging market is valued at around USD 416 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 527 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 4.8%. This growth reflects a clear shift among brand owners, converters, and packaging manufacturers toward fibre-based materials that combine environmental responsibility with high performance and visual distinction.
Design continues to be a decisive factor in consumer preference. A study by Ipsos shows that 72% of consumers are influenced by packaging design when making purchase decisions, while Meyers reports that 67% value the choice of material as part of the overall experience. As expectations rise, packaging must achieve both, it must look purposeful and perform flawlessly.
Design that performs
Consumers’ commitment to responsible packaging is equally strong. PR Newswire reports that 82% of consumers globally are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, and McKinsey notes that about half would accept a 1–3% price premium for greener alternatives.
This shift confirms that packaging is no longer a passive element, it’s a direct expression of brand values, product quality, and sustainability leadership.
SWM Packaging: expanding the possibilities of paper
At SWM, we view paper as a high-performance material: adaptable, precise, and designed to meet multiple expectations at once. Our Packaging portfolio reflects this philosophy by offering a wide range of ultra-lightweight papers that merge functionality with design intent.
Our translucent papers balance visibility and protection, allowing brands to reveal part of the product while maintaining the strength and barrier performance required in modern packaging. This subtle transparency delivers a clean and distinctive appearance that enhances consumer trust and product visibility.
In parallel, our coloured and filigree papers bring visual identity to the forefront. By integrating pigments and design patterns directly into the fibre structure, SWM ensures lasting colour consistency and depth. These materials allow brands to express themselves with sophistication, turning colour and texture into durable, integral components of the packaging itself.
Completing the portfolio, our coated papers combine protection and aesthetics. They provide resistance and handling while maintaining recyclability and a premium finish. This ensures performance without compromising the refined, high-quality look demanded by brand owners and converters alike.
Each of these paper families demonstrates SWM’s commitment to connecting material science with design excellence, enabling partners to push the boundaries of what paper can achieve in both form and function.
Redefining paper for modern packaging
The future of paper packaging lies in performance-driven design, where every detail serves a clear purpose. By combining innovation, precision, and sustainability, SWM International helps brands and converters transform packaging into a true asset for differentiation and responsible growth.
This content was sponsored by SWM International.
