Ball & Doggett has partnered with Sappi in a distribution deal where it will distribute Sappi’s sustainable barrier papers.

The company said this partnership bolsters its expanding product offering, and is its first in the flexibles space, solidifying its ongoing commitment to bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to the local market.

Sappi is a producer of functional papers with integrated barrier functionality and heat-sealing properties. These papers for flexible packaging come with integrated barriers against oxygen, water vapour, grease, aroma and mineral oil.

“Thanks to the integrated barriers, there is no need to apply special coatings or laminations. This innovative paper responds to market demand for alternatives to foils and plastic,” Ball & Doggett said.  

“This fantastic partnership between Ball & Doggett and Sappi signals our further expansion into the flexibles market as we continue to diversify our product offering and present sustainable alternatives where fit for purpose,” Ball & Doggett flexible packaging national manager Lou Tsoukalas said.

“This is an exciting space in the labels and packaging division of our business and is experiencing sustained growth stemming from continuous product innovation.”

This partnership also grants Ball & Doggett distribution of three of Sappi’s paper-based packaging grades – produced from largely renewable sources.

“The partnership will be a huge benefit for customers needing a quick turnaround as new business opportunities are created for barrier papers. Having stock available from Ball & Doggett’s warehouses in Australia, will bring a more efficient and timely process to what is a long lead-time out of our European manufacturing base,” Sappi Australasia managing director Craig Brown said.

“We have found that new business can be a long and expensive process from concept, to trials to orders and having stock on the floor will help smooth that out.”