Actega introduces coffee capsule coating solution

Actega, global specialist in developing and producing specialty coatings, inks, adhesives, sealants and compounds for the printing and packaging industry, has recently achieved an important breakthrough in the coffee capsule market.

The company’s new ACTEseal heatseal coatings for the internal coating of aluminium coffee capsules are PVC-free, making a significant contribution to improved recyclability. Capsules covered with PVC-containing coatings pose challenges for recyclers, as incineration of the halogen-containing coating produces substances that can be associated with environmental damage. Additional filtration systems are required to recycle PVC-containing capsules, making the process complex and costly. In addition, legal restrictions on the use of PVC in Europe are already on the horizon.

“After several years of research and development, we are proud to introduce our new PVC-free heatseal coatings. We firmly believe that our solution will not only become the industry standard, but also set the bar for responsibly produced packaging,” said Stefan Brandhoff, vice president of sales for flexible packaging EMEA at Actega.

The new ACTEseal heatseal coatings not only improve the recyclability of aluminium coffee capsules, but also help increase the use of circular materials in packaging through their sealability against recycled aluminium. Actega’s solution alleviates some of the sustainability concerns inherent in the coffee capsule industry. However, the advantages of these new PVC-free heatseal coatings go beyond sustainability, says Actega: they impress with their excellent sealing seam strength, high burst pressure in the stress test, and their flexibility and formability. Only raw materials that are suitable for direct food contact and have been proven to comply with standard market food regulations (including FDA and EU regulations) are used.

In addition to heatseal coatings for interior coating, Actega also offers a broad portfolio of primers, base coats, and print and overprint varnishes for the exterior of coffee capsules.

“Innovations in sustainable packaging are developing at an impressive pace, and Actega is paving the way for future solutions. With the successful launch of our new PVC-free coating systems, we offer a promising step forward for the coffee capsule industry and brands seeking to meet growing consumer demands for environmentally sustainable packaging,” said Thomas Sawitowski, senior vice president, flexible packaging at Actega.