Changemaker: Revolutionising food packaging through Kapag and Sappi collaboration
In today's sustainability-conscious marketplace, food brands face a critical challenge: finding packaging solutions that eliminate plastic without sacrificing product protection.
Kapag, a Swiss specialist in paperboard lamination, has developed the groundbreaking Changemaker concept using Sappi's premium materials to create exceptional barrier packaging. The innovative approach combines Sappi's Algro Design paperboard or Fusion Topliner with AvantGuard functional barrier paper to deliver a 100% paper-based, mono-material, recyclable solution for food products that eliminates the need for plastic-based alternatives.
A sustainable partnership with technical excellence
The name "Changemaker" wasn't chosen by accident. It embodies the philosophy that everyone - from manufacturers to brands to consumers - can become agents of positive environmental change through their packaging choices. Kapag created the Changemaker brand for all laminated paperboard products that aim to replace or significantly reduce plastics in packaging.
"The food industry has been searching for packaging alternatives that don't sacrifice functionality. Our partnership with Sappi allows us to leverage their premium paperboard and barrier technologies with our specialised lamination expertise, creating packaging that meets both environmental goals and practical requirements for food safety."
What makes the Changemaker concept truly revolutionary is Kapag's advanced lamination technology that transforms Sappi's premium materials into exceptional performing packaging. First showcased at FachPack with grease-resistant packaging for Berliner doughnuts, the solution has demonstrated its versatility across various protection needs. The technology provides oxygen barriers for sensitive food products, aroma protection to maintain product freshness, water vapour barriers to prevent moisture damage, and protection against contaminants for food safety - all whilst maintaining the excellent printability and converting performance that Sappi's premium paperboards are known for.
Limitless possibilities through innovative lamination
The Changemaker concept represents a perfect synergy between two industry leaders. Sappi contributes its pioneering advancements in functional barrier papers and premium paperboards, while Kapag brings its specialised lamination expertise and environmental commitment.
Kapag's lamination capabilities are truly remarkable. They process materials from reel to reel with widths ranging from 5 cm to 250 cm and finish sheet formats up to 360 cm long. Their technical prowess enables combining different materials, from laminated papers less than 150 microns to a total thickness of 5 mm, creating virtually limitless possibilities for sustainable packaging design.
The environmental credentials extend beyond just material choices. Kapag's production runs at 95% carbon neutral, primarily using on-site produced biomass and solar energy. This holistic approach to sustainability ensures that the environmental benefits extend throughout the entire production process.
Applications across industries and the path forward
While initially showcased for food applications, the Changemaker concept has tremendous potential across multiple sectors. The solution is ideal for cosmetics seeking premium, sustainable packaging; pet food requiring multiple barrier properties; healthcare products needing clean, safe packaging; and household goods aiming to reduce plastic content. For brands looking to meet sustainability targets whilst maintaining premium product protection and visual appeal, Changemaker delivers without compromise.
As consumer demand for sustainable packaging continues to grow, innovations like the Changemaker concept demonstrate that the future of packaging doesn't require sacrificing performance for sustainability. Through thoughtful design, technical expertise, and material innovation, Sappi and Kapag are proving that paper-based solutions can deliver everything that plastic once promised - without the environmental consequences.
For brands ready to become true changemakers in their packaging choices, this collaboration offers a compelling vision of what's possible when industry leaders unite around sustainability and performance.
