Globe News Packaging Printing Sustainability
Siegwerk and Kotkamills partner to increase packaging circularity

Siegwerk, a provider of printing inks for packaging applications and labels, and Kotkamills, a Finnish paper and paperboard manufacturer, have joined forces to create innovative solutions for printers and producers of fibre-based packaging to further drive packaging circularity.

Under the motto, “Together we accelerate change for good,” this partnership aims to provide the market with sustainable and eco-friendly solutions by combining the latest technologies of both companies. The collaboration is based on the potential of water-based dispersion barrier coated paperboard to replace traditional polyethylene (PE) coated board. Thus, the switch in coating not only offers an economic driver to collectors and recyclers, but also reduces the environmental impact of the packaging.

Since 2018, Kotkamills has been producing barrier boards for hot cup and food packaging end uses, in addition to folding boxboard grades. The new water-based dispersion barriers make the paperboard compostable, repulpable and easy to recycle; the fibres used are from sustainable PEFC and FSC-certified sources. Siegwerk’s newest sustainable inks and coating intensifies the printing properties of Kotkamills’ paperboard, resulting in“excellent printing performance and high-quality surface protection.”

“We are very delighted to work together with Kotkamills to provide innovative and circular solutions that ensure high-quality packaging performance while reducing the environmental impact. Together we aim for packaging circularity and want to accelerate change for good,” said says David Charquet, international key account director-Europe Business Unit Paper & Board at Siegwerk.

“As a pioneer developing innovative and easily recyclable water-based dispersion barrier paperboards for various packaging solutions, we are very pleased that our collaborative effort with Siegwerk is bearing fruits that the packaging industry and printers can benefit from by offering to brand owners and consumers high-quality and genuinely sustainable products. Together we accelerate change for good,” said Päivi Suutari, VP RDI at Kotkamills.