Exploring OEM insights on paper-based packaging

Hear from Cavanna, a family-owned packaging machine supplier that provides machines to many of our customers. Known for their flowpack machines, they have seen an increase in interest for testing paper-based packaging – from virtually none in 2018 to an impressive 60% in 2022. In response to this demand, the interview explores solutions in adapting packaging machines for paper use, highlighting the critical process of selecting suitable materials and performing comprehensive tests to ensure both product safety and operational efficiency. Additionally, it also provides insights into the evolving landscape of paper packaging.

In this 4-minute video, Daniele Antona, Packaging Material Specialist from Cavanna, shares his expertise on the growing trend of paper packaging and the influence of products like AmFiber™ in the industry. Watch to learn more about these changes in the packaging technology.

What has driven changes in paper-based packaging demand?

We, as a packaging company, have seen a sharp rise in test requests for our laboratory, going from almost 0% in 2018 to 60% last year (2022). So, we've observed a really huge growth in packaging demand for paper.

We believe that this trend is related to two key factors. One is the consumer perception of paper packaging as more sustainable, and the other is the lack of specific legislation on the recycling of paper and, in some places, plastic. Paper packaging can be more friendly and greener.

How does paper-based packaging compare to other materials, and how does this affect industry practices?

We’ve had several tests with AmFiber™, and we've reached the highest speed we achieved with a paper-based material. It's cold sealed, so that really helps. But the glue efficiency was really good, really high. So, we obtained good sealing and good tightness. The material was also behaving really well in terms of oil and grease barrier.

What are the challenges when adapting packaging machines for paper, and how do you address them?

The transition should start with the selection of the right paper-based material based on the product shelf life because the product is the most important thing we want to keep safe. The second step is to test this material in our laboratory together with the customer so that they can see the implementation we try and the solution we use to handle the material. After this phase, what we can provide to the customer is a complete overview of what they need to do in order to make the material run on their machines.

What we've seen is that the customer is not required to change their machine to handle paper.

How do you see the future of paper-based packaging in the industry?

I believe that the packaging market will stabilize sooner or later in the next few years, and paper will have its fair share. This distribution between paper and plastic will be determined by two key factors. One is efficiency; currently, paper is striving to achieve the consolidated efficiency of plastic while also focusing on sustainability.

Furthermore, I believe that, since the product is the most important consideration, paper will stick in the market as primary packaging. This is achievable if used correctly, as demonstrated by Amcor with AmFiber, incorporating barrier and good sealing properties to ensure the safety of the product.