Kelpi presents barrier coating technology at the Speciality Papers Europe
Kelpi recently attended the Specialty Papers Europe conference in Vienna – a two-day event bringing together stakeholders from various stages of the paper packaging supply chain, offering a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. The 230 attendees included representatives from paper producers, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, packaging converters, recycling companies, innovation start-ups, coatings providers, machine manufacturers and many more.
The talks and panel discussions at the conference covered a wide spectrum of topics, offering valuable insights into the specialty paper market, barrier coatings, state of the art coating techniques, recyclability testing, and regulatory considerations. Global industry giants like L'Oréal, Nestlé, and Barilla took to the stage to share their ambitious sustainability goals, ongoing efforts, and achievements in transitioning towards eco-friendly paper and fibre-based packaging solutions. Throughout the event, there was a resounding emphasis on the importance of selecting and advancing the most appropriate technologies for specific products whilst ensuring recyclability as an end-of-life solution for paper-based packaging.
Kelpi’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Stefanie Federle, took centre stage on the first day of the event presenting Kelpi’s seaweed-based high performance barrier coatings. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion focused on start-up innovations, with Sebastien Bregeaud from Notpla and Manuel Milliery from Papkot also joining the panel. The panel discussion sparked a lot of interest from the audience and views were exchanged on topics such as bio-based feedstocks for barrier coatings, challenges for implementing new technologies in the paper sector, and how collaborations and partnerships are crucial for innovation and change.
The conference not only provided an excellent platform for reconnecting with our existing partners and clients in the packaging industry but also paved the way for forging new connections that hold the promise of future collaborations and product developments. We believe collaboration is essential, as those open to partnering with others along the supply chain are better positioned to adapt to market dynamics and drive innovation. The conference reinforced the notion that active engagement with peers and staying attuned to industry trends are key to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of paper packaging. The industry is undergoing constant change, driven by sustainability concerns, technological advancements, and evolving consumer expectations. Those, like Kelpi, who actively embrace these changes are poised to shape a more sustainable, innovative, and consumer-centric future for paper packaging.
