For food brands seeking plastic-free alternatives without compromising performance, Kapag’s innovative Changemaker concept uses Sappi’s premium materials to create exceptional barrier packaging. This groundbreaking solution, developed by Kapag, combines Sappi’s premium Algro Design paperboard or Fusion Topliner with AvantGuard functional barrier paper to deliver a 100% paper-based, mono-material, recyclable solution for food products that eliminates the need for plastic-based alternatives.
Kapag created the Changemaker brand for all laminated paperboard products that aim to replace or significantly reduce plastics in packaging. The name “Changemaker” was chosen to emphasize that everyone can become a changemaker for the good of the planet by purchasing, converting and using renewable materials.
First showcased at FachPack, Changemaker demonstrates how Kapag’s advanced lamination technology can create sustainable packaging without compromising performance. The approach utilizes their specialized lamination process to combine Sappi’s Algro Design paperboard or Fusion Topliner with Sappi’s AvantGuard functional high barrier paper. While the showcase example at FachPack featured exceptional grease barrier for highly fatty Berliner doughnuts, the same concept can provide various types of protection including oxygen barriers, aroma protection, water vapor barriers, and protection against contaminants — all while maintaining the excellent printability and converting performance of Sappi’s premium paperboards.
Two experts with one future-proof solution
The partnership leverages key strengths from both companies. Sappi’s pioneering advancements in functional barrier papers like AvantGuard, combined with their premium Algro Design or Algro Volume paperboards and Fusion containerboards, provide the ideal materials combination. Algro and Fusion products serve as the visible outer layer, delivering excellent printing and finishing results, while AvantGuard barrier papers provide the required functional protection.
With their own brand Algro Duo, Kapag offers increased durability and rigidity from 450 g/m2 by laminating two Algro Design paperboard sheets together. With that, they extend Sappi’s own paperboard portfolio. The Changemaker concept combines both packaging boards and liners with Sappi barrier solutions, eliminating the need for plastic-based barriers.
Technical excellence meets environmental responsibility
Kapag’s lamination capabilities allow for virtually limitless technical possibilities. The company can process materials from reel to reel with widths ranging from 5 cm to 250 cm, and finish to sheet formats up to 360 cm long. Their expertise enables the combination of different materials, from laminated papers less than 150 microns to a total thickness of 5 mm. With production that runs at 95% carbon neutral using primarily on site produced biomass and solar energy, Kapag demonstrates environmental responsibility throughout their operations.
“The food industry has been searching for packaging alternatives that don’t sacrifice functionality,” explains Alexander Meyer, Managing Owner of Kapag. “Our partnership with Sappi allows us to leverage their premium paperboard and barrier technologies with our specialized lamination expertise, creating packaging that meets both environmental goals and practical requirements for food safety.”
Expanding possibilities across industries
The collaboration opens up possibilities across numerous industries, including food, cosmetics, pet food, healthcare, and household products. For brands looking to meet sustainability targets while maintaining premium product protection and visual appeal, the Changemaker concept provides a compelling solution backed by two industry leaders.
