Grass Paper: A New Material for Food Packaging and Displays
The use of this new paper made from grass fibers represents another step in the sustainability transition that LIC Packaging has embarked on producing displays and food packaging.
Grass Paper is a type of paper that is inherently eco-friendly, as it can contain up to 30-40% grass fibers, resulting in a corresponding reduction in environmental impact during its production process. This process does not involve the use of chemical additives, and in quantitative terms, for every 1 ton of virgin raw material produced, it leads to: a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere; water savings of up to 5,000L; and energy savings of up to 4,500Kw/h.
Grass Paper is an eco-friendly type of paper, as it can contain up to 30-40% grass fibers, leading to a corresponding reduction in environmental impact during its production process, which does not involve the use of chemical additives. In quantitative terms, for the production of 1 ton of virgin raw material, this results in: a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere; water savings of up to 5000L; and energy savings of up to 4500Kw/h.
As explained by Mirko Cattaneo, Display Business Unit Director at LIC Packaging:
Grass Paper can be used both in the Display world and related communication materials, as well as in packaging, even in direct contact with food.
Grass Paper used in food packaging
In this regard, the company’s internal division Eco&food
has developed two versions of the HTBoard FC Grass Paper product, of which the second is labelled hydrophobic. This means that its internal cellulose component does not absorb water or liquids, including moisture from fresh foods.
Thanks to the grass fibers present inside, the material has a rough surface and a warm appearance like wood’s one from an aesthetic standpoint.
In accordance with the legislation of each individual country, it is 100% recyclable in the paper consortium chain. Therefore, it is a product that can be labeled as a monomaterial and plastic-free.
Mirco Cattaneo, Display Business Unit Director di LIC Packaging
Grass paper in the display production
As to produce Displays the two standard codes proposed by LIC fall into the categories of E corrugated board (1.2mm) or EB (3.7mm microtriplex). For other types of corrugation and thickness, a minimum order of 5000 square meters is required.
Mechanically, it is a support with excellent strength and structural performance similar to traditional recycled board. To preserve its inherent ecological component, LIC suggests using it with water-based inks, free from chemical additives, printed in high definition, and customizable in shape and size.
Gogreen display in store with L’Orèal
Among the big global brands committed to sustainability, L’Oréal is undoubtedly one of the most attentive, thanks to an ecological transition towards sustainability undertaken several years ago, earning recognition such as the triple-A rating from the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) for the ecological interventions made in its production processes and products. The positive outcomes of this commitment to corporate social responsibility are now a concrete routine, also when it comes to in-store campaigns and the selection of procurement partners, such as LIC Packaging, who comply with best practices in terms of sustainability (ricordiamo che LIC’s plant is partially self-powered by solar panels).
Using Grass Paper, the result of this synergy came to life between October 27 and November 12, when floor displays and promotional totems, entirely produced with this new ecological material and printed with water-based inks, were placed in 120 Auchan supermarkets in France.
L’Oréal wanted the production of point-of-sale materials to align with their first fully eco-designed promotional operation, from the product itself to the promotional materials containing it. Their Ushuaia and Cadum brand references, in addition to containing organic ingredients, are packaged in eco-friendly packs.
Mirco Cattaneo, Display Business Unit Director di LIC Packaging
Grass Paper Food Packaging in Summary
Named HT Board FC Grass Paper
the new product also features a hydrophobic variant, which is water-repellent. The two versions have the following characteristics:
- Corrugated board made of monomaterial paper, composed of pure cellulose with up to 40% grass fiber.
- Suitable for contact with food.
- Grass fiber production has a reduced environmental impact compared to cellulose pulp:
- 75% less CO2 produced;
- 5000L of water saved per ton.
- 4500 kWh of energy saved per ton.
- No chemical additives.
- Printable and customizable with food-safe inks.
- Recyclable in the paper recycling stream.
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