In this edition of our ‘In Conversation With…’ series, Philippe Ragot, vice president and general manager for Packaging at SWM International, walks us through the company’s lightweight, heat-sealable cellulosic wrappers, designed to replace flexible plastics.
What inspired you to develop your cellulosic wrappers, and why did you select Riccobono Packaging as a collaborator?
SWM has always had a deep expertise in the production of ultra-light papers. A few years ago, we decided to apply this expertise to packaging papers with the development of a complete range of cellulosic or paper wrappers to offer alternatives to plastic wrapping.
Our relationship with Riccobono Packaging started with their simple request for thin papers. It turned into a strategic partnership when we realized that we share the same agenda to engineer new wrappers and that the two companies complement each other really well in terms of industrial capabilities and go-to-market.
Today, we collaborate on a day-to-day basis and leverage each other’s strengths to bring innovation to the packaging industry faster.
What sectors or applications would you recommend your wrappers for, and why?
Our ultra-light paper wrappers in their translucent, white, or porous versions can be suitable alternatives across a multitude of applications: textiles, personal care, games and toys, bundling…
On a sustainability level, how do you expect the wrappers to benefit those sectors?
These paper wrappers represent a functional alternative enabling brands to fulfil their aspirations to replace plastic.
How does the breathability of your wrapping material compare to others on the market, whether paper-based alternatives or traditional plastics?
Our porous papers are produced with a very special technology called inclined wire, mastered by only a few papermakers worldwide. Thanks to this technology, we can use longer fibers and create light, strong and consistent materials with high natural porosity.
Have you faced any technical difficulties in developing a lightweight and heat-sealable paper?
The main challenge was turning these porous papers into heat-sealable papers. This is where the partnership with Riccobono Packaging comes into play, as they have found a unique and patented system to coat our materials, the Enduction Riccobono System (ERS). I was impressed by their creative approach!
Do you envision any future developments for your wrappers? Will the technology evolve, or are there new sectors you’d like to reach?
Our portfolio of wrappers is still young as we are approaching the market with our first generation of products. We continue to test new solutions and processes to enhance further the functionalities like increased translucency, increased barriers to make our ultra-light papers suitable for additional usages – like food wrapping, for instance.
To learn more about SWM International’s product offerings, click here.
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