Sappi, manufacturer of flexible packaging papers with integrated barriers and heat-seal capability with South African origin, has joined forces with digital printing pioneer Xeikon in a developmental partnership. Sappi’s long-standing expertise in innovative, paper-based packaging solutions and Xeikon’s far-reaching knowledge of cross-sector digital printing applications and innovative ink technology ideally complemented each other in this collaborative venture. Together, the partners took an important step towards direct printing on paper-based materials and perfecting the recyclability of the resulting flexible packaging.

Digital press manufacturer Xeikon, a division of the Flint Group, based in Luxembourg, has over 30 years of expertise in both UV and aqueous inkjet and dry toner technology. With its latest dry toner innovation, Titon and the Xeikon TX500, the company has set its sights on the paper-based flexible packaging market, which, as Xeikon’s collaboration partner Sappi has been reporting for some time, is experiencing strong growth due to demand for resource-saving, recyclable and plastic-free alternatives from end-users as well as brand owners and converters.