Paper Band for Sustainable Packaging
Banding with paper is gaining a lot of attention worldwide. It contributes to the reduction of plastics. Paper is available in various types and is offered in white or brown. Whether paper is the best choice for you depends on many factors that we would be happy to discuss during a consultation.
What a paper band does that plastic does not
A paper band replaces plastic without losing print quality. That is the short version, and for most brands it is the whole reason to switch.
Paper prints edge to edge with a matt or gloss finish, so the artwork on a paper band is not a compromise against a printed film. It goes into standard paper recycling rather than a specialist plastic stream, and grades are available that are suitable for direct food contact.
The trade-off is moisture. Paper is the wrong choice against a wet or frozen surface where a film band holds better. On dry, chilled and ambient packs it performs identically and costs less to dispose of.
For brands with a stated plastic reduction target, the paper band is often the single easiest change on the line: same machine, same speed, different roll.
For frozen or damp conditions, a film band is the safer choice. If you want your artwork on the band itself, look at printed bands.
Types of banding paper
We currently broadly offer the following types of paper:
- FSC Kraft paper in brown and white
- White MC paper
- Laminated paper
The thickness of the paper is expressed in grams and varies between 70 and 125 grams. The Bandall Research & Development department is constantly working on various endurance tests on the latest types of environmentally friendly paper
When is a paper band suitable?
The answer to this question is more complex than it seems. Questions or issues that are discussed during a consultation are:
- How is the packaging structured?
- How strong should the banding solution be considering your product?
- Are there any special conditions in relation to dust, humidity, and temperature?
- What are the packaging regulations in your country?
- Etc.
Recyclability is important to us
The level of recyclability of a band depends on the composition of the paper and its finish. The used inks and coating have effect on this. Depending on the composition of the band, it may be disposed of as used paper or residual waste. Both options are possible. Bandall will always recommend the most sustainable banding solution, based on your product, specifications, and what is possible.
A fully recyclable paper band
A good example of a fully recyclable paper band is the ECO.BANDING. This band consists of FSC certified Kraft paper. Only 2 per cent of the surface consists of the so-called ECO.SEAL, which is positioned on the band. The whole band, including the ECO.SEAL, is fully compliant with European regulations regarding single-use plastic (Directive (EU) 2019/904″ Recital 11) and the French legislation regarding the ban on plastic packaging (AGEC). We offer the ECO.BANDING in collaboration with Optimum Group Max. Aarts.
Paper banding for food packaging
Food is where paper banding is growing fastest. A printed paper band can replace a plastic sleeve, a label or shrink film on fresh produce, bakery, dairy and chilled multipacks, while carrying the brand, the barcode and the dates. Because the band only covers a strip of the pack, the product stays visible and the amount of material is a fraction of a full wrap.
Not sure if paper will hold on your product? Send us samples for a free banding demo, or compare it with film bands and the full range of banding materials.
Frequently asked questions
What is paper-based banding?
A narrow paper band is wrapped around one or more products, tensioned and sealed onto itself. It holds and brands the pack without shrink film, plastic or adhesive.
Which types of banding paper are available?
FSC Kraft paper in brown and white, white MC paper and laminated paper, from 70 to 125 gsm. The 80 gsm grade is the standard choice for most applications.
Is paper banding suitable for food packaging?
Yes. Paper grades are available for direct food contact and work well on dry, ambient and chilled products such as fresh produce and bakery. For frozen or wet packs, a film band is the better choice.
Is a paper band recyclable?
It depends on the paper and its finish. ECO.BANDING is made of FSC certified Kraft paper, and its ECO.SEAL covers only about 2% of the band surface, so the band can go into paper recycling.
Can a paper band be printed?
Yes. Paper prints edge to edge with your artwork, and plain paper bands can take dates, batch numbers and barcodes from a printer on the machine during banding.
Paper or film band?
Choose paper where sustainability matters and the pack needs no moisture barrier. Choose film for frozen or damp products, or when the band must be transparent.
Read more about banding materials:
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Free demo banding now available in middle east
Two options are available:
You can either send us samples of your products or come to our office by making an appointment in advance to attend for the trial.
In case of sending samples, result would be shared with you within two working days after receiving samples (Photos, videos and even we can send packed samples if requested)
For more info, please contact us:
email: sales@bandallmiddleeast.com | WhatsApp number: +971 50 547 7231