Ahlstrom in Partnership with Sustainable Packaging Producer The Paper People develop Fiber-based Frozen Food Packaging


Sustainable, paper-based frozen food packaging is now a reality! Ahlstrom and The Paper People LLC have codeveloped and launched an innovative and sustainable solution for frozen food packaging.

This new line of fully fiber-based, recyclability-certified packaging is specifically designed to replace traditional fossil-based plastic and films for frozen food packaging.

“This new package is designed to be used on existing packaging equipment including vertical form-fill-seal, stand-up pouches and SOS style systems,” said Neil Bretl, President for The Paper People. “The package can also be used in flow wrap and bundle wrap applications. We worked diligently to ensure these materials could easily replace traditional non-renewable substrates on existing equipment.”

In addition, the paper frozen food package is available with the Paper Peoples’ Paperlock™ G technology, an FDA approved direct food contact heat-seal material and grease barrier that keeps grease from migrating off such food products as fries, tater tots, onion rings, and pizza rolls to the outside of the package. This packaging can be printed in up to 10 colors using both flexographic and digital printing and is available with a compostable zipper in both standard and inno-lok style configurations.

The Paper People LLC technology combined with Ahlstrom’s proprietary FluoroFree® barrier papers achieve significant grease-resistance and allows for a true replacement of traditional non-renewable packaging.   

“Our BoundlessBarriers® technologies are helping our customers achieve the next generation of truly sustainable packaging,” explained Mark Ushpol, Executive Vice President for Ahlstrom’s Food & Consumer Packaging Division. “Included in this portfolio of barrier ranges is our PFAS-free FluoroFree® technology which boasts the highest levels of grease-resistance currently available in the marketplace.”

“Collaborative partnerships, such as this frozen food development with the Paper People, are what’s needed to continue to push the boundaries of creating more renewable and sustainable packaging that has a better end-of-life,” Ushpol continued.