Australia’s largest distributor of printable materials and consumables has signed with global paper manufacturer Sappi to distribute sustainable papers with barrier functionality and heat-sealing properties for flexible packaging.
(l-r) Lou Tsoukalas of Ball & Doggett with Sappi Australasia MD Craig Brown
“As Australia’s largest distributor of printable materials and consumables, this partnership bolsters Ball & Doggett’s ever-expanding product offering—their first in the flexibles space—and solidifies their ongoing commitment in bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to the local market,” said a B&D press statement.
“Sappi is a market and innovation producer of functional papers with integrated barrier functionality and excellent heat-sealing properties. These papers for flexible packaging come with integrated barriers against oxygen, water vapour, grease, aroma and mineral oil.
“Thanks to the integrated barriers, there is no need to apply special coatings or laminations. This innovative paper responds to market demand for alternatives to foils and plastic,” the company said.
Lou Tsoukalas, national manager – flexible packaging, Ball & Doggett: “This fantastic partnership between Ball & Doggett and Sappi signals our further expansion into the flexibles market as we continue to diversify our product offering and present sustainable alternatives where fit for purpose. This is an exciting space in the Labels & Packaging division of our business and is experiencing sustained growth stemming from continuous product innovation.”
Sappi Australasia MD Craig Brown said: ”The partnership will be a huge benefit for customers needing a quick turnaround as new business opportunities are created for Barrier Papers. Having stock available from Ball & Doggett’s warehouses in Australia, will bring a more efficient and timely process to what is a long lead-time out of our European manufacturing base. We have found that new business can be a long and expensive process from concept to trials to orders and having stock on the floor will help smooth that out.”
The partnership grants Ball & Doggett distribution of three of Sappi’s paper-based packaging grades – produced from largely renewable sources: a paper-based packaging solution with integrated heat-sealing function, and two high-barrier paper-based packaging solutions to replace multi-layer barrier films.
