approach, new ideas, and to carve a niche for added value. The final product needs to look the part, provide adequate protection for its contents, be sustainable, and appeal to both brands and customers. Be prepared to go the extra mile.” Shaping The Market Continuing with the theme of sustainability is Annette Clayton, global account manager at Fedrigoni, a company known for high-quality products and paper materials across both the traditional print market and the packaging segment. According to Clayton, the requirement to switch from plastic to paper has been a key driver in the demand for paper-based packaging solutions, saying this trend looks only set to continue as the demand for more sustainable packaging continues to increase. “Single-use plastics are the major problem here,” Clayton explains, adding: “Consequently, alternatives to cellophane wrap are in high demand. Simply removing the wrap and using papers that are less prone to marking like embossed, felt marked, or papers with a pearlescent coating can be a quick win. “Measuring carbon footprint has become increasingly important so being able to provide a third-party-certified LCA for the material used is key for many luxury and premium brands. “A positive sign is that in the drive to reduce their carbon footprint, brands are starting to “reshore” print production rather than transport goods from Asia or the US. This will be reinforced by a ground-breaking EU deal to ban the import of goods linked to deforestation which will in effect prohibit the import of commodities like paper, and derived products, unless their origins can be traced, using geolocation data.” As for what PSPs and other businesses in the market should be looking for when selecting the type of material to work with on a packaging application, Clayton says that the project or job itself will very much determine the most suitable paper. If the application were packaging for perfume and cosmetics, the box or pack 91 www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2023 - Issue 344 would sit on a shelf. Therefore, Clayton says whiteness and cleanliness of the packaging would be key. As such, she says FSC virgin fibres with good technical strength would be a solid choice in jobs such as this. Switching attention to more coloured packaging, a higher amount of recycled content should be used. He advises that translucent paper for overlays, belly bands, and wrap cans also be seen as a solid alternative to plastic. As to how Fedrigoni is reacting to the changing demands of the market, Clayton pointed out a number of new innovations announced by the supplier in recent weeks and months. These include Symbol Pack, a high-quality board specifically engineered for folding boxes to ensure great quality of print on both sides and avoid any cracking at the fold. “We also offer a high barrier coating to provide resistance to water and grease,” Clayton says, adding: “The new thermoformed pulp grade, éclose, offers an alternative to plastic cosmetics trays. Sylvicta is a translucent paper with natural high barrier properties now being used in cosmetics and fine food packaging.” Clayton concludes by saying new regulations will continue to change within the packaging industry and this will very much shape the market as we move forward. “Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) aim to tackle three core challenges,” Clayton explains, adding: “These are to reduce the generation of packaging waste, promote a circular economy for packaging in a cost-efficient way, and promote the uptake of recycled content in packaging. This should be top of mind for all new projects.” While there are a number of trends to be aware of in packaging, one consideration that shines out above all is sustainability. Ensure you are able to offer your customers a planet-friendly option when it comes to packaging and this will grant you access to all manner of segments within the wider market. Couple this with targeting key areas that present the most opportunities for printed work, and there is plenty to get excited about in this constantly expanding market. Dufaylite is the only honeycomb provider in the world with the AA BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard Factoid ◄ Dufaylite managing director Ashley Moscrop says more emphasis is being placed on sustainability in packaging NEED TO KNOW / PACKAGING MATERIALS ► Annette Clayton, global account manager at Fedrigoni, says the switch from plastic to paper has driven demand for paper-based packaging
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