From confectionery wraps to premium bags, discover the Guard solutions redefining fibre-based packaging.
At this year’s FACHPACK 2025, Sappi shone the spotlight on innovation. Visitors – including converters, printers, and brand owners – experienced how our new high-barrier and barrier papers are expanding the possibilities of fibre-based packaging while balancing performance and cost. They also had a front-row set to see Sappi’s growing portfolio, which is expanding to meet real-world needs, from high-barrier confectionery wraps to mono-material solutions that run smoothly on existing lines.
Spotlight on Guard Pro OHS and Guard Pro OMH
At the Sappi booth, a major highlight was the expansion of the Guard Pro range with OHS and OMH. Together, these recyclable papers combine high-barrier performance with cost-effective processing, giving brand owners and converters flexible options for applications such as confectionery and frozen goods.
Guard Pro OHS is now fully available in both Gloss and Natural versions, delivering strong protection against oxygen, water vapor, grease, and MOSH/MOAH. Guard Pro OMH provides similar barrier properties but is tailored for cold-seal applications, making it a cost-efficient choice where heat sealing isn’t required.
Our most innovative products are Guard Pro OHS and Guard Pro OMH, mono-material solutions that are recyclable in the paper waste stream. They clearly demonstrate how functional papers can replace plastics without compromise
said Gustavo Duarte, Head of Business Development
“Together, Guard Pro OHS and Guard Pro OMH form a real power couple,” added Filip Van Ranst, Sales Director Specialty Papers. “They fill a critical gap in the market by delivering high barrier performance where customers previously had to rely on expensive or less sustainable solutions.”
With overlapping capabilities and clear synergies, the two grades form a versatile toolkit for brand owners, removing the need to compromise between performance, cost, and sustainability.
Expanding the Guard range
The Guard range of barrier paper also drew attention at the Sappi booth, with eyes especially drawn toward Guard Duo. Originally designed with a 105gsm version for ice cream cone sleeves, Guard Duo is now being trialed in a 115-gsm version for premium block-bottom bag applications. Visitors pointed out how the solutions in Guard range – which also includes Guard M, Guard MS, and Guard Twist variants – complement the high-barrier Guard Pro portfolio, giving options across different product categories.
“Our broad range of functional papers proves that we are driving this innovation,” said Kerstin Dietze, Key Account Manager for Packaging Solutions. “Our barrier and high barrier papers offer a reliable alternative to non-recyclable composites, and are perfect for applications that require very good product protection, such as baking powder, chocolate, tea, rice, cereals, and more – and they’re available now.”
Delivering value across the chain
For converters, Sappi’s barrier papers mean substrates that are efficient to process. For printers, they provide strong visual qualities that elevate branding. And for brand owners, they deliver cost-competitive, sustainable packaging that meets both consumer expectations and regulatory demands.
“Cost competitiveness is critical, especially in high-barrier packaging,” said Filip Van Ranst, Sales Director Specialty Papers. “We now offer solutions that perform reliably on existing lines, without asking customers to compromise on sustainability.”
The strong reception of Guard Pro OHS, Guard Pro OMH, and Guard Duo at FACHPACK shows that the market is ready for next-generation fibre-based packaging. By focusing on solutions that are fit-for-purpose, scalable, and designed with both performance and cost in mind, Sappi continues to lead the way in shaping a more sustainable packaging industry.
Get in touch to explore how the Guard Pro and Guard ranges can support your applications with recyclable, high-performance papers.
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