NewPage lands acclaim for compostable packaging laminate

The AmeriStar Awards program recognizes excellence and innovation in packaging design and engineering. The Sustainability Award salutes packaging that makes significant strides in reducing environmental impact; evaluation factors include efficient energy usage, recycling efforts, effective use of packaging materials, material recovery and use of renewable materials.

Sustainable journey​

NewPage Corp. CEO George Martin told FoodProductionDaily.com that the company is committed to viewing sustainability as a never-ending process, rather than a final goal.

“No matter how well we perform, there will always be room for improvement​,” he said. “When we meet or exceed a goal, we will always set a new, more aggressive one. When you see sustainability this way, you realize we are not talking about company performance as much as human performance​.”

Compostable concept​

LittleFoot is a packaging laminate that, according to the manufacturer, is 100% compostable. Composed of renewable materials, the laminate is intended to deliver the oxygen and moisture barrier levels required for a range of shelf-stable food applications (dry mixes, coffee, confections, energy bars and more).

Additionally, the LittleFoot laminate is said to help food firms and packaging partners create containers with a high level of shelf presence. The product reportedly has a favourable surface for printing, and it can integrate easily with existing converting equipment.

Commercialization next​

Jim Sheibley, director of specialty papers business and product development for NewPage said the next step is for the company to get the product into the hands of its customers.

“We look forward to exploring opportunities to commercialize our LittleFoot product in the months ahead through partnerships and licensing agreements with strategic brand owners and packaging converters who are striving to enhance their compostable packaging offerings​," he said.

Representatives from NewPage joined other winners at the AmeriStar and Visionary Awards ceremony on Wednesday, June 19. The event took place at the EastPack conference and exhibition in Philadelphia.