Paper instead of Film Laminate

Paper packaging for toilet rolls

Together with our customer Fripa, we have set and achieved a goal in this context: to package paper in paper and to do so 100 percent.

In toilet paper, there is a lot of choice, but on the shelves at the store, there is one characteristic that makes them all the same: the paper is all packed in plastic film bags. With Fripa, we wanted to change that, so we developed a specially adapted machine. The result of our experience and expertise is a solution that does not compromise on quality or speed - quite the opposite in fact.

An OPTIMA OSR pouch packaging machine provides the basis for this. The modules can be precisely adjusted, work with the required precision and are gentle on the material. To do this, we have developed a new and innovative closure mechanism. This has resulted in completely recyclable paper packaging without any plastic coating or fillers. That is why we call this packaging honest packaging.

It is no surprise that we have teamed up with Fripa: As a manufacturer of high-quality sanitary paper, Fripa began to use environmentally friendly processes at a very early stage, and has impressed its customers with its innovative products. Paper packaging is also far from new terrain for Optima: Optima has already been packaging products in paper packaging for 30 years. This experience is an important foundation and serves us well today.

An OPTIMA OSR pouch packaging machine provides the basis for this. The modules can be precisely adjusted, work with the required precision and are gentle on the material. To do this, we have developed a new and innovative closure mechanism. This has resulted in completely recyclable paper packaging without any plastic coating or fillers. That is why we call this packaging honest packaging.

In toilet paper, there is a lot of choice, but on the shelves at the store, there is one characteristic that makes them all the same: the paper is all packed in plastic film bags. With Fripa, we wanted to change that, so we developed a specially adapted machine. The result of our experience and expertise is a solution that does not compromise on quality or speed - quite the opposite in fact.

It is no surprise that we have teamed up with Fripa: As a manufacturer of high-quality sanitary paper, Fripa began to use environmentally friendly processes at a very early stage, and has impressed its customers with its innovative products. Paper packaging is also far from new terrain for Optima: Optima has already been packaging products in paper packaging for 30 years. This experience is an important foundation and serves us well today.

Paper packaging for diapers

Easy conversion of existing baby diaper systems

Optima's machines and systems can be easily and quickly adapted for processing sustainable packaging materials such as paper or bio-PE. Sustainable packaging materials require gentle handling in the packaging process - especially at high output. Optima systems are already designed for this and can be easily upgraded with an additional module. No new machine is required, which also supports your sustainability goals. The hybrid module handles a wide range of materials and offers a high buffer capacity for long run times.

Large buffer capacity
Easy upgrade for existing packaging machines
Flexibility in the choice of packaging material
Cost reduction for packaging in paper bags

Paper packaging for feminine hygiene products

The Optima group of companies has developed paper packaging for sanitary towels in cooperation with a global consumer goods group. This is the first paper packaging to be used in this market segment. It was awarded the German Packaging Prize 2021.

Sustainability is a topic for the future, where the course is being set today and overarching strategies are required. The fact that it is not always necessary to reinvent the wheel is demonstrated by a sustainable packaging solution that was co-developed at Optima. "We are receiving more and more inquiries in which the flexible processing of different packaging materials is required right from the start," reports Markus Urich, Key Account Manager at Optima Nonwovens. In a project involving the packaging of feminine hygiene products, fully recyclable paper was used as a packaging material for the first time worldwide. In this case, it was shown that paper with minimized printing and without plastic coatings can definitely be an alternative to PE bags for hygiene products.

Widespread use in retail

The packaging will soon be found throughout the retail sector and has even been awarded the German Packaging Prize 2021. The jury wrote: "Paper is not always a sensible substitute for plastics when it comes to FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) packaging. Paper is a sustainable alternative here that can be easily recycled in the paper value stream."

Paper packaging as a sustainable alternative

Sustainable packaging solutions for napkins

Optima continues to drive forward its sustainability strategy - also in the area of paper and tissue products. Since October 2020, the portfolio has also included packaging lines for paper products such as napkins. The lines from the Bremen-based subsidiary Senning can be flexibly converted from paper to film and vice versa. Retrofits are also possible.

"One of our focal points is the development of sustainable packaging solutions. Paper that does not contain composite materials such as plastic is a promising alternative to film packaging," says Dominik Bröllochs, Group Sustainability Manager of the Optima Group of Companies. Fittingly, in addition to Optima Nonwovens, Senning GmbH from Bremen now also offers corresponding retrofit options for existing machines. The company joined the Optima Group in October 2020 and specializes in the production and packaging of paper and tissue products. New lines can also be designed on request to allow producers to switch flexibly between paper and film packaging. The integration of a gluing station makes this possible. Retrofitting takes place with minimal effort. This makes investments in Senning machine technology particularly future-proof.

Unique: paper packaging with full wrapping

The special feature: Senning is the only supplier to offer paper packaging solutions for paper and tissue products with full wrapping. Paper can be used that is 100 percent paper, contains no composite materials and is therefore also 100 percent recyclable. This means that Senning can now also meet the demand for greater sustainability in paper and tissue production. "Packaging made of recycled plastic, biologically based and biodegradable plastics is also possible," adds Annette Bengs, Managing Director of Senning GmbH.