Constantia Flexibles is working on the development of a new sustainable packaging solution made from grass, as a replacement to plastic, destined to the food industry.
The company said that tests are underway on the solution, which offers a cost-effective alternative to synthetic materials.
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Manufactured without bleach or other chemical treatments and with limited water consumption, the paper packaging is also recyclable.
Constantia Flexibles Food Division executive vice-president Stefan Grote said: “We are constantly working on developing environmentally friendly packaging.
“With grass, we are making use of a resource that is both renewable and recyclable. Our testing shows that this innovative product can be utilised in the food industry, a demanding market segment, in particular as packaging in a number of different ways for chocolate.”
The packaging is composed of 40% sun-dried grass and 60% FSC-certified cellulose.
According to the company, the paper is made using renewable, recyclable and naturally-grown raw materials.
Natural grass paper is converted into a packaging material by adding a barrier that meets specific packaging requirements such as aroma tightness.
Grote further added: “There is the visual and haptic experience, which provides our customers with numerous marketing opportunities that showcase how the product is entirely in tune with the times.”
The company added that existing machines will retain their productivity levels when they switch to natural grass paper.
