Members of the World Packaging Organization (WPO) recently judged Sappi’s Algro Guard OHG barrier packaging paper a winner in the food category of the WorldStar 2017 Awards. Representatives from Sappi’s Functional Papers product group will accept the award during the WorldStar Awards Presentations and Gala Dinner, to be held in Dusseldorf at Interpack 2017.

The WorldStar Competition is one of the major events conducted by the World Packaging Organization. WorldStar celebrates the continual advancement of packaging design and technology and creates a standard for international packaging excellence.

The award-winning Sappi Guard barrier packaging papers from Sappi’s Functional Papers product group was introduced to the market in 2016 and was also the recipient of the German Packaging Award 2016 in the New Materials category.

“Sappi is pleased to be recognized by the WPO with this esteemed award,” says Kerstin Dietze, marketing manager, Speciality Papers at Sappi. “Market interest in the innovative Sappi Guard high barrier paper-based packaging solution has proven extremely positive since its inception last year, indicating the strong demand for a highly sustainable alternative in flexible packaging applications.”

The Sappi Guard packaging papers from Sappi with integrated barriers and heat sealing properties is an attractive solution that is specifically optimized for gravure and flexo printing. The enhanced papers, such as Algro Guard OHG, provide integrated barriers against oxygen, water vapor, grease, aroma and mineral oil without the need for additional coatings or adhesives, reducing both costs and environmental footprint. Offering an alternative to foil and plastics, Algro Guard OHG makes packaging production simpler and more efficient. More than 80% of this paper-based packaging solution is comprised of renewable materials.

Belgian chocolate manufacturer Delafaille chose Algro Guard OHG as the packaging paper for its Amusette brand of luxury chocolate bars. Delafaille sought a solution that would improve product safety, user-friendliness and the overall aesthetics of the final product, all of which are achievable with Algro Guard OHG. Using a design similar to a teabag envelope, Delafaille found Algro Guard OHG optimized the manufacturing process and resulted in fast, cost effective mass production. The use of paper instead of foil or plastic produced an end product with a more pleasing tactile experience for the consumer.