Ahlstrom, a specialist in fibre-based materials, has unveiled LamiBak Flex, the latest addition to its LamiBak collection of base papers.

LamiBak Flex, tailored specifically for flexible packaging, builds upon the established success of the original LamiBak product range, the company said.

The product is designed for further processing such as coating, metallisation, or extrusion, offering barrier properties for food applications such as pouches, sachets, and flow packs.

LamiBak Flex’s design is claimed to reduce the need for primer coatings, providing improved barrier properties while optimising costs and maintaining sustainability and recyclability.

By offering a paper-based flexible packaging alternative, LamiBak Flex helps brands reduce plastic and metallic substrate use, aligning with regulations and consumer demand for eco-friendly options, the company added.

LamiBak Flex is reportedly made from 100% responsibly sourced wood pulp and is certified as recyclable in the US and Europe.

Additionally, the LamiBak range is compostable according to many regional standards and is PFAS-free.

Ahlstrom global food packaging vice-president Guillaume Latourette said: “With LamiBak Flex, we address the critical challenge of delivering high-barrier paper for flexible packaging while supporting sustainability goals.

“This innovation represents the future of functionalised base paper for converters and brands alike.”

Last November, Ahlstrom divested its Aspa pulp mill in Sweden to Sweden Timber. The Aspa pulp mill produces bleached and unbleached softwood pulp for various paper industry applications, serving a global clientele.