UBSTADT-WEIHER, GERMANY — Packaging supplier KM Packaging launched its newest innovation: K-Nature Paper HBe, a high-barrier paper packaging material designed to be curbside recyclable. According to the company, the material takes “confusion out of recycling for end consumers.”

K-Nature Paper HBe contains more than 85% paper with a strong polyethylene coating and EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) barrier, all of which makes it an ideal alternative to flexible plastic packaging, according to KM Packaging.

“Creating an over 85% paper-based product that performs as well as plastic is a real achievement,” said Andrzej Kukula, technical and new product development manager at KM Packaging. “The end consumer and producers are looking at sustainable alternatives to plastic and our Paper HBe product could well be the answer. The material’s high paper quantity means that it has good recyclability, which can only grow the confidence the consumer has in the brands that use it.”

The innovation is curbside recyclable in major markets and can be used for vertical and horizontal flow wrap, form-fill-and-seal, and pre-made pouch packaging used for food products. Additionally, Paper HBe can also run on current converting equipment with minimal adjustments, according to KM Packaging. 

“Sustainability initiatives across the world are causing a recalibration of how the food industry does packaging, and it’s our duty to respond to those demands,” Kukula said. “We’ve known for a long time that shoppers want to recycle as much as they possibly can. The introduction of Paper HBe represents a practical, forward-thinking solution that upholds functionality while advancing recyclability. We view this as a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating that paper-based alternatives can effectively replicate the utility of plastic without compromise.”

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