Substrates & adhesives

Wausau Coated Products promotes Patrick Reif

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:38:32 +0000

Wausau Coated Products, an independent family-owned and operated manufacturer of adhesive-based label products, has appointed Patrick Reif as regional manager of distribution channel. Reif will be responsible for establishing and maintaining long-term customer relationships in the Western and Southwestern US.

Reif joined Wausau Coated Products in May 2023 as product manager for converted sheets, where he played a key role in identifying market trends and new product opportunities. His work has been instrumental in driving the development and launch of new products and on-boarding new opportunities within the converted sheets segment, serving both Wausau Coated Products and Brandywine Label Products.

‘We are thrilled to welcome Patrick Reif as a Regional Sales Manager on our Distribution team,’ said Gretchen Kray, director of commercial development. ‘Patrick brings valuable experience from his role as product manager, where he gained insight into the products, processes, and people of Wausau Coated Products. In this role, Patrick has had the opportunity to meet with many of our merchant partners through industry events. With his thoughtful and inquisitive approach, Patrick is a fantastic addition to our team. Please join us in congratulating him on this new role.’

‘I am very excited to serve our merchant customers on the West Coast and the Southwest,’ commented Reif. ‘My goal is to grow the business while making it easy for our customers to do business with Wausau Coated products.’

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2 days 7 hours ago

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Wausau Coated Products promotes Patrick Reif

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Reif will establish and maintain long-term customer relationships in the Western and Southwestern US.

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Reif will establish and maintain long-term customer relationships in the Western and Southwestern US.

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Synthetic printing materials manufacturers form sustainability pact

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:34:07 +0000

Agfa, Folex, Kernow Coatings and Polyart, some of the top manufacturers in the coated polyester film industry, have partnered to establish a sustainability pact to share industry-specific insights and develop shared strategies for a more sustainable future.

According to the mentioned companies, every industry faces unique challenges when trying to enhance the sustainability of its products. When it comes to film coating or laminating, these challenges are often particularly intricate: plastic materials are coated with a functional layer, which is crucial for printing.

Prints made with these materials are typically used for demanding applications that require durability even in tough conditions. Common examples include workshop manuals, restaurant menus, or outdoor product labels.

Non-synthetic alternatives and laminated paper are often not durable enough to serve as substitutes and would need frequent replacement. From this viewpoint, synthetic products are both sustainable and conserve resources.

Conversely, their production mainly uses virgin raw materials, and it's vital to ensure these products have an as environmentally friendly 'afterlife' or 'second life' as possible.

‘What modifications are needed to adapt these products for the circular economy? How can we reduce our ecological footprint right now? What recycling or upcycling options exist already, and how do country-specific regulations impact the disposal of such products,’ we read in a press release. ‘These and similar questions challenge all manufacturers today. Often, legal regulations merely provide a broad guideline. To find practical and cost-effective answers, the manufacturing sector must take initiative, and it's wise to collaborate within the industry to do so.’

Thus, in the niche sector of coated polyester films, leading brand manufacturers have united to establish a sustainability pact, driving forward more swiftly and powerfully by pooling their expertise. The founding members of the pact: Agfa, Folex, Kernow Coatings and Polyart, have agreed to share their industry-specific experiences and work together on solutions for transitioning to a ‘green economy’.

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2 days 8 hours ago

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Synthetic printing materials manufacturers form sustainability pact

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The founding members of the pact to share their industry-specific experiences and work together on solutions for transitioning to a ‘green economy’.

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The founding members of the pact to share their industry-specific experiences and work together on solutions for transitioning to a ‘green economy’.

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UFlex secures USFDA approval for recycled PE in food packaging

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 08:53:50 +0000

UFlex, India-based multinational flexible packaging and solutions company, has achieved a significant milestone by reportedly becoming the first Indian company to receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its recycling process. This approval allows UFlex to use recycled polyethylene (rPE) in food packaging, marking a major step in reducing plastic waste and supporting global brands in meeting their sustainability goals.

UFlex’s recycling process is categorized as super-clean recycling, with the ability to de-ink post- consumer recycled (PCR) materials by more than 95 percent, making it one of the most advanced processes worldwide. This certification adheres to international standards and contributes to the global shift toward a circular economy, reinforcing UFlex’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

To further strengthen its recycling infrastructure, UFlex is investing INR 317 crores (USD 38 million) in advanced recycling technologies. This includes the establishment of two new recycling plants at its Noida facility in India, with a combined annual capacity to process 39,600 metric tons of plastic waste. These plants will significantly boost the production of rPET and rPE materials for use in food packaging, aligning with India’s growing emphasis on sustainability and its evolving legislative framework.

Jeevaraj Gopal Pillai, whole time director, director - sustainability, president - flexible packaging and new product development, UFlex, said: ‘In line with our commitment to support the Government of India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, we are proud to announce this significant investment to strengthen our recycling capabilities. The Indian government has set ambitious targets for the collection, recycling, reuse, and use of recycled content in plastic packaging to promote sustainable packaging. Our enhanced recycling operations will empower brand owners to meet their EPR commitments and set a global benchmark for sustainable packaging.’

He further stated: ‘Innovation and sustainability have always been at the heart of our journey. Three decades ago, when recycling was still an emerging concept, we envisioned a future where waste could be transformed into value. Our early investments in recycling multi-layered plastic waste, once thought to be impossible to recycle, proved that innovation could drive meaningful change.’

He added: ‘With the first-ever USFDA approval for an Indian company in food-contact recycling, we are proud of how far we have come. This milestone is not only a proud moment for UFlex but also for India, as it highlights our country’s growing leadership in sustainable innovation and underscores its potential to make significant contribution to the global sustainability agenda. Additionally, we have applied for USFDA certification to recycle polypropylene (PP), which will position UFlex as the first company in the ﬂexible packaging industry with the technology and capacity to recycle all three materials—PET, PE, and PP—for use in food packaging. We are excited to collaborate with global brands to help them meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable products while reducing plastic pollution.’

At present, there are no specific guidelines for the use of recycled polyethylene (rPE) content in food packaging. However, there is a mandatory requirement under the extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations to incorporate recycled content in packaging. UFlex, in collaboration with industry players, is actively engaging with government bodies such as FSSAI and BIS to help develop the necessary guidelines for the safe and sustainable use of rPE content in food packaging in India. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that the industry adheres to the highest standards in food packaging while contributing to a circular economy.

Currently, UFlex has recycling plants in India, Poland, Egypt, and Mexico, processing post-consumer multi-layered mixed plastic (MLP), multi-layer aseptic packaging (MLAP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste. It is the only Indian company working on innovative solutions for flexible MLP and PCR applications both in India and globally.

Through the conversion of post-consumer waste into high-quality, food-safe materials, UFlex is driving innovation while reinforcing its commitment to a circular economy.

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3 days 21 hours ago

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UFlex secures USFDA approval for recycled PE in food packaging

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This approval allows UFlex to use recycled polyethylene (rPE) in food packaging.

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This approval allows UFlex to use recycled polyethylene (rPE) in food packaging.

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South Asia

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Global ESG Score ranks Fedrigoni among best companies

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 01:58:30 +0000

The Global ESG Score has once again recognized the Fedrigoni Group for its ESG performance, awarding it a score of 74 (a 10-point increase compared to 2023) bringing it significantly closer to the top-performing companies.

The 2024 performance was excellent across all areas, with the most significant growth since 2023 recorded in the social dimension.

‘We are proud to have improved our position in this prestigious rating. I would like to thank all our people for their commitment, because attention to ESG practices has been deeply embedded in every action, every choice and our entire strategy for years now,’ commented Marco Nespolo, CEO of Fedrigoni.

‘We are proud to appear once again, and with a significantly improved result, in S&P’s prestigious sustainability rating,’ added Nespolo. ‘I can only thank all our people, as attention to these practices has been deeply embedded in every action, every choice, and the Group’s entire strategy for years now.

‘We are committed to monitoring progress in reducing CO2 emissions, water consumption, and waste management, accelerating sustainability-driven innovation, preventing workplace injuries, fostering an inclusive and learning-oriented environment, and creating value for the communities in which we operate.’

According to the evaluation committee, the most significant improvements were recorded in the social dimension (+15 points), with high appreciation for programs dedicated to safeguarding human rights, employment development, occupational health and safety protection, and engagement with local communities.

In economy and governance, the key aspects highlighted were the transparency of sustainability reporting, the ESG assessment of supply chain assessment, and the focus on emerging risks and cybersecurity.

Finally, regarding the environmental dimension - where Fedrigoni already had a high starting point (with a score of 68 in 2023) - all the company's policies aimed at reducing resource consumption, both energy and non-energy, were well received. Efforts to mitigate environmental impact, from climate strategies to actions supporting biodiversity, as well as initiatives to develop products with an increasingly circular approach, were particularly appreciated.

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4 days 3 hours ago

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Global ESG Score ranks Fedrigoni among best companies

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Fedrigoni Reaches gains 10 points to reach 74 points and ranks among the best companies.

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Fedrigoni Reaches gains 10 points to reach 74 points and ranks among the best companies.

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Cosmo Films bags SIES SOP Star Awards 2025

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:11:50 +0000

Cosmo Films has been honored with the SIES SOP Star Awards 2025, further cementing its position as an innovative packaging materials provider.

The SIES SOP Star Awards were instituted in 2017 to recognize the talent in the packaging sector for its continuous efforts in innovation, creativity and new developments across various product segments such as beverage, food, health and personal care, and pharma among others.

The 8th Edition of the SIES SOP Star Awards witnessed participation of over 200 entries, with Cosmo Films successfully securing recognition in two critical categories under packaging materials and components. The company’s two products that merited the awards are metallized BOPP for high-speed packaging and next generation UHB-HR MO high heat resistance BOPP Film for replacing METPET mono carton packaging application.

Pankaj Poddar, group CEO, Cosmo First, commented: ‘This prestigious award is a recognition of Cosmo Films’ innovative packaging solutions. Both of our entries under the packaging materials and components category validate our continuous commitment towards innovation and sustainability in the packaging industry. Our latest developments highlight our ability to create advanced solutions that address evolving market needs and environmental considerations. I’m thankful to the jury for their vote of confidence in us and for winning this very prestigious industry award.’

Cosmo Films remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of packaging technology, investing consistently in research and development to create eco-friendly, high-performance products for global brands.

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5 days 19 hours ago

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Cosmo Films bags SIES SOP Star Awards 2025

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Cosmo Films wins recognition in two critical categories under packaging materials and components.

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Cosmo Films wins recognition in two critical categories under packaging materials and components.

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Applied to distribute biodegradable hot melts in Americas

Piotr Wnuk — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 21:20:12 +0000

US-based Applied Adhesives has partnered with UK-headquartered Power Adhesives to distribute its Tecbond biodegradable hot melt adhesives in North and South America.

In September 2024, Power Adhesives developed the Tecbond 214B, which is claimed to be the world’s first biodegradable hot melt adhesive. Traditional hot melts are usually made from petroleum-based materials and can negatively impact the environment.

In contrast, the Tecbond 214B hot melt is 45 percent bio-based and 100 percent biodegradable. It will break down naturally when exposed to oxygen, UV light and heat without leaving behind any harmful chemicals. It is also ASTM D6400, EN13432, and FDA 175.105 certified.

Power Adhesives is now working on creating a full range of biodegradable product assembly and packaging adhesives, including the new Tecbond 110B used in high-speed packaging applications. These products will meet more niche needs for companies looking for more sustainable solutions than traditional hot melts.

‘We’re thrilled to partner with Power Adhesives to bring this innovative, eco-conscious adhesive to the Americas,’ said Dustin Heigl, vice president of business development at Applied. ‘This partnership aligns with our commitment to be more sustainable and offers businesses across the region an effective solution to try to reduce their negative environmental impact.’

Biodegradable hot melts offer an alternative that helps eco-conscious businesses improve their sustainability practices and reduce waste. By choosing a biodegradable option, companies can decrease their negative impact on the environment without compromising performance.

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6 days 8 hours ago

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Applied to distribute biodegradable hot melts in Americas

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The latest product, Tecbond 214B is 45 percent bio-based and 100 percent biodegradable.

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The latest product, Tecbond 214B is 45 percent bio-based and 100 percent biodegradable.

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UPM and Orkla Suomi introduce paper packaging

Adyasha Sinha — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:16:47 +0000

UPM Specialty Papers and Orkla Suomi have launched a new paper wrapper for Panda milk chocolate. The new wrappers will replace traditionally used PP plastic wrappers during a six-month pilot period. Milk chocolate bars in new packages are available in stores across Finland.

'At Orkla Suomi, we want to improve everyday life with local brands that bring joy and make sustainable choices easier. Our products are a combination of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. A great example of our ongoing efforts to replace fossil-based materials with renewable alternatives is the new paper-based chocolate tablet packaging, developed in collaboration with UPM and printing house Walki Westpak. We will pilot this paper-based packaging with Panda Milk Chocolate in spring 2025 to gather insights and experiences from the new packaging,' said Arja Laitinen, packaging developer at Orkla Snacks.

The new type of wrapper for Panda milk chocolate is based on UPM AsendoTM Pro 75 g/m2 barrier paper, which has suitable grease barrier properties for Panda milk chocolate. A cold seal lacquer, which has been applied to sealing areas, allows the paper-based package to be sealed on Orkla Suomi’s existing flowpack packaging machines, which are commonly used to pack products in plastic. UPM Asendo Pro is certified for food safety (BfR, FDA), and the new packaging material has undergone extensive testing, including shelf-life tests.

Orkla Suomi wanted to find a paper-based packaging to support its goal of increasing the share of renewable packaging materials without compromising recyclability. UPM only sources fibres from sustainably managed forests, where forest regeneration is ensured. UPM Asendo Pro has been validated as recyclable (PTS method RH 021/97, cat II) in existing fibre recycling streams, and it is widely available to consumers in Finland and Europe. 83 percent of paper and cardboard packaging is recycled in Europe (Eurostat, 2021).

'Chocolate can be a challenging product to package in paper, due to its relatively high grease level. However, UPM has a solid product portfolio, extensive experience and the broad partner network needed to support the transition to recyclable paper-based packaging. Therefore, we can help converters and brands like Orkla Suomi with their packaging sustainability ambitions and speed up the time to market new packaging material,' explained Kirsi Lahtela, senior manager, product portfolio management, UPM Specialty Papers.

Traditionally, plastic or a paper-plastic laminate has been used in packaging to guarantee shelf life, ensure food protection and keep grease from penetrating the package material. No additional plastic layer is required thanks to the in-built barrier protection provided by UPM Asendo Pro packaging paper.

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1 week 2 days ago

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UPM and Orkla Suomi introduce paper packaging

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The new paper wrappers will replace traditionally used PP-plastic wrappers for Panda milk chocolate.

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The new paper wrappers will replace traditionally used PP-plastic wrappers for Panda milk chocolate.

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Europe

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Ahlstrom to provide product-specific carbon footprint

Akanksha Meena — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:23:03 +0000

Ahlstrom, manufacturer of fiber-based specialty materials, has accelerated its development of safe and sustainable specialty materials by providing product-specific carbon footprint through an automated life cycle assessment (LCA) platform.

The platform enhances Ahlstrom’s eco-design capabilities, enabling product innovation through real-time, product-specific LCA carbon footprint data, helping customers to reduce their environmental impact at scale.

Johan Lunabba, vice president, sustainability and public affairs at Ahlstrom, said: ‘In recent years, we have made strong progress in improving the quality, depth, and coverage of our sustainability data. By leveraging the LCA platform, we can harness big data to create value for our customers. With product digital twins, we can optimize product specifications, costs, and sustainability while accommodating customer needs and constraints.’

The access to data-driven Product Life cycle Assessment platform supports Ahlstrom’s sustainability strategy and commitments which have gained global recognition. Early 2025, Ahlstrom achieved a Leadership score A- in CDP climate disclosure, and in 2024 the company received a Platinum medal from EcoVadis, placing the company among the top one percent in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices globally.

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1 week 2 days ago

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Ahlstrom to provide product-specific carbon footprint

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The automated life cycle assessment tool empowers customers to make sustainable choices

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Nobelus launches thermal sealants for digital converters

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 20:35:00 +0000

Nobelus has launched EcoElement PE thermal sealants, a line of polyethylene sealants enabling thermal converters to downgauge their packaging structures and access high-quality sealants without committing to large order quantities.

The thermal sealants are constructed entirely of extruded PE with three layers of different polyethylene blends. The layers include a sealant for shaping and sealing, a structural core and a thermally activated adhesive designed to bond with print web film.

The adhesive and sealant layers activate at different temperatures, allowing thermal converters to process the film on their existing laminating equipment.

The line includes clear and white versions, both of which are available with or without EVOH to give packaging moisture and oxygen barrier properties as needed.

While they are compatible with most print web materials, these thermal sealants can also be paired with a PE print web to create fully recyclable packaging using thermal lamination.

Roy Langlois, product manager at Nobelus, said: ‘Historically, thermal converters have struggled to offer sustainable solutions due to the limitations of EVA adhesives. This line of PE thermal sealants directly addresses the thermal market’s needs by making it possible to downgauge structures and offer fully recyclable flexible packaging without solventless lamination.’

Mono-material PE flexible packaging is currently accepted for recycling across the US at various drop-off facilities, including participating grocery stores and retail locations.

Nobelus expects the EcoElement PE Thermal Sealant line to meet the unique supply chain needs of digital flexible packaging converters in various markets.

‘These products open up a whole new path forward for any converters that use thermal lamination for their packaging,’ said Angie Mohni, vice president of marketing at Nobelus. ‘They complement the strengths of the digital packaging space perfectly by giving thermal converters quick access to sealants at the low quantities they need for the very first time.’

EcoElement PE thermal sealants are part of the Nobelus Foundations Collection. Nobelus offers consultations for converters interested in recyclable flexible packaging.

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1 week 3 days ago

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Nobelus launches thermal sealants for digital converters

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The finishing products supplier has announced thermal PE sealants for flexible packaging.

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The finishing products supplier has announced thermal PE sealants for flexible packaging.

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Fujifilm to raise consumables prices in Europe

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:26:05 +0000

Fujifilm has confirmed it will implement price increases to various consumables and services as the European market continues to experience cost pressures.

According to the company, although inflationary trends have stabilized since last year, Fujifilm remains affected by challenges including increased labor costs, elevated freight and warehousing expenses, sustained energy prices, and higher costs from suppliers, resulting in the need to implement double digit price increases.

Taku Ueno, senior vice president of Fujifilm Graphic Communications in Europe, commented: ‘We understand that price adjustments can be challenging for our customers. However, ongoing market pressures leave us with no option but to revise our pricing structure. These adjustments are necessary to ensure we can continue delivering the quality and reliability our customers expect.

‘The increases will vary depending on the product category and take effect from April 1, 2025. Affected customers will be informed directly with detailed information.’

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1 week 5 days ago

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Fujifilm to raise consumables prices in Europe

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The price increase is a response to the ongoing market pressures in the region.

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The price increase is a response to the ongoing market pressures in the region.

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Europe

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