Jujo Thermal and HP Indigo test recyclable barrier paper pouch

Finland-based Jujo Thermal, one of the leading suppliers of durable direct thermal papers, and HP Indigo have partnered to print recyclable barrier paper Shieldplus on HP Indigo 25K Digital Presses and process it into sustainable, flexible pouch packaging.

Shieldplus barrier paper provides a recyclable fiber-based alternative for packages where presently barrier films made from plastic or aluminum are used. It consists of wood-based fibers coated with a water-based barrier coating, and it is designed for direct contact with dry, moist and fatty food. This material delivers an optimal balance between low weight and high barrier performance, providing excellent protection against gas, solvent, and mineral oils.

During the recent tests, both companies produced paper pouch samples using unbleached Shieldplus BR 60 and Shieldplus Graphic 65 grades. Both grades offer barrier properties against water vapor and oxygen and are suitable for direct contact with dry, moist, and fatty foods. Furthermore, both grades are recyclable, with Shieldplus BR 60 also being biodegradable. The samples were printed on an HP Indigo 25K Digital Press.

‘We are excited to present the exceptional barrier paper quality of the Shieldplus digitally printed using HP Indigo presses, to the sustainable food industry,’ said Toshihiro Sawamura, CEO of Jujo Thermal. ‘We are thereby encouraging our customers to lifecycle thinking and to developing applications that support the concept of a circular economy’”

‘As the provider of the only field-proven printing solution for the flexible packaging industry, HP Indigo presses can print on nearly any available substrate,’ added Regina Guslitzer, global sustainability and application product manager at HP Indigo. ‘Our collaboration with Jujo Thermal and Shieldplus allows us to contribute a fully recyclable flexible package towards a more sustainable food industry.’

HP is actively investing in the growing market of paper-based flexible packaging, and recognized Jujo Thermal as a valuable partner, with its recyclable barrier paper designed for flexible food packaging.