Constantia Flexibles said that its tests have demonstrated that Paper made from the renewable resource grass can be used in the food industry.
Image: Constantia Flexibles’ new paper is made from the renewable resource grass. Photo: courtesy of Constantia.
Manufactured without bleach or other chemical treatments and with very limited water consumption, the new grass paper is composed of 40% sun-dried grass and 60% FSC-certified cellulose, making it fully recyclable.
Constantia Flexibles Food Division executive vice-president Stefan Grote said: “We are constantly working on developing environmentally friendly packaging. With grass, we are making use of a resource that is both renewable and recyclable.
“Our testing shows that this innovative product can be utilized in the food industry, a demanding market segment, in particular as packaging in a number of different ways for chocolate.”
The paper packaging, which replaces plastic, can be recycled in the same way as all other conventional recyclable paper products.
The natural grass paper is converted into a packaging material by Constantia Flexibles by adding a barrier that meets specific packaging requirements, such as aroma tightness, while maintaining the material’s natural character.
Grote added: “First, there is the visual and haptic experience, which provides our customers with numerous marketing opportunities that showcase how the product is entirely in tune with the times.”
Constantia Flexibles said that the customary levels of productivity for existing machines will be not alter when switched to natural grass paper.
Currently under trials, the new material is claimed to be a cost-effective alternative to synthetic materials.
Employing 7,200 people, Constantia Flexibles manufactures tailor-made packaging solutions at 32 sites in 18 countries.
It is engaged in manufacturing flexible packaging and labels for customers in the food, pet food, pharmaceuticals and beverage industries.