Bosch develops sealed paper packaging

Bosch Packaging Technology and BillerudKorsnäs have developed Sealed Paper Packaging — dust-tight packaging for dry products using sustainable mono-material paper instead of polymer film.

Swedish paper specialist BillerudKorsnäs contributed its expertise to the mechanical properties of the Axello ZAP paper, while Bosch Packaging Technology developed a vertical form, fill and seal machine (VFFS) with ZAP-Module, which allows coating with the sealing agent on a minimal surface area, preserving the paper’s mono-material character.

Advantages of the new packaging include cleaner shelves, high product protection and improved product quality. The Axello ZAP paper is durable, while retaining its natural paper characteristics and advantages from source to recycling. The sustainable characteristics of the material are expected to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Previously, the production of mono-material paper packaging was only possible with glued premade bags or formed paper bags on mandrel wheel technology. The VFFS concept, which is more flexible regarding formats and pack styles, only allowed bag production using polymer film or fully coated paper.

With the ZAP-Module, it is now possible to process mono-material paper on VFFS technology with dust-tight sealing. The developers of the technology say the secret lies in the characteristics of the Axello ZAP paper, as well as in the ZAP-Module, which applies a minimal amount of the sealing agent during the packaging process to enable heat sealing of the paper on the VFFS machine.

The solution meets the growing demand for sustainable packaging for dry foods such as sugar, flour, grains and powders. The machine enables the use of pillow, gusseted and block bottom bags with gable or flat-top closure.