At Interpack 2026, Sappi and ACMA present a collaboration focused on one of the most demanding packaging applications: double twist wrapping for confectionery.
By combining material expertise and machine engineering, the partnership addressed a key industry challenge: How to transition to paper-based solutions without compromising efficiency, visual impact, product quality, or machine performance. The result is a solution developed through continuous exchange and joint testing, ensuring it is ready for real production environments.
Aligning material and machine from the outset
A central element of the collaboration is the close interaction between Sappi and ACMA during development. Both partners align material properties and machine requirements from an early stage, ensuring that Sappi’s Guard Twist paper performs reliably on ACMA’s wrapping technologies.
To support customers in switching materials, machine builders and material suppliers need to work closely together. With Sappi, this has become a true partnership, where continuous exchange ensures materials and machines perform together
Roberto Lattarulo, Marketing Manager, ACMA
Enabling the transition to paper-based solutions
ACMA supports the transition not only through new machines, but also by enabling existing equipment to process paper-based materials. Technologies such as the servo-driven material gate allow converters to adapt current lines, while new machine platforms are designed to be ready for paper from the start. This dual approach supports a gradual transition aligned with operational realities.
Performance under demanding twist applications
Double twist wrapping is a demanding application requiring precise control during twisting, consistent material behavior and strong visual appeal. Sappi’s Guard Twist paper has
been developed to meet these requirements, combining reliable runnability with enhanced printability while being recyclable in the standard waste paper stream and without having the need for waxing. A specialised coating enables higher gloss while preventing cracking during twisting.
Guard Twist has been developed to meet the specific demands of twist wrapping, combining runnability, aesthetic performance and process stability while having a fully sustainable solution. Close collaboration with ACMA has been essential to ensure reliable performance on the machine.
Alessio Broccanello, Product Development Engineer, Sappi
Validated through joint development
ACMA’s technology enables rapid testing, allowing multiple trials per day and accelerating development cycles. This ensures solutions are validated under real conditions, reducing uncertainty and supporting smooth implementation.
Balancing performance and future requirements
While adoption of recyclable paper-based twist wrapping is still emerging, regulatory developments and market expectations are expected to accelerate the shift. By working together, Sappi and ACMA deliver solutions ready for customers to adopt.
Continuous development
The collaboration continues to evolve, with both partners refining materials and machine technologies to further enhance performance. By combining their expertise from the outset, Sappi and ACMA demonstrate how material and machine can be developed together to deliver solutions that meet the demanding requirements of industrial applications.
Samples will be showcased at Interpack
The two companies will present initial results of their collaboration at their Interpack trade fair booths. Double twist wrapped samples will be presented at both the Sappi booth in Hall 8A, Stand B35, and the ACMA booth in Hall 6, Stand D57. A project was specifically undertaken beforehand with the Interflex Group to demonstrate the printing and visual impact of the Sappi Guard Twist.