From printing to packaging: Paper makers expand into new uses

Paper is making its way into toilet paper wrappers and the plastic trays that hold fresh fish. As digitalization continues to erode demand for printed materials, the paper industry is finding new uses for its core product. This year in particular, a surge in naphtha prices driven by the US-Iran war has accelerated the industry's push to replace plastics. Paper makers are using coating and processing technology to overcome paper's traditional weakness against water and oil, expanding applications from food to everyday household goods.

According to industry sources Tuesday, KleanNara recently launched its "Fit" toilet paper line using 100 percent paper packaging in place of plastic wrap. The company reduced the product's volume to target one- and two-person households that struggle to store bulk toilet paper, and switched the packaging material from plastic to paper in the process — meaning the paper a paper maker produces is now also wrapping its own household goods.

Moorim P&P has moved directly into the fresh food packaging market. The company developed a "pulp mold skin-pack tray" together with packaging machinery specialist Sunkyung Engineering. Moorim said it began commercial production last September and has since applied the tray to meat packaging at Hyundai Department Store and seafood packaging at Lotte Mart. The product replaces the conventional plastic lower tray used in skin-pack film packaging with a pulp-based alternative.

The key challenge was how long the tray could hold its shape while withstanding moisture, as well as its ability to protect contents during the packaging process. Moorim P&P said it secured the necessary strength and durability by using virgin pulp it produces itself.

The application has since expanded to prepared foods. Among the cases disclosed this year is a tray used for fried chicken packaging at the ready-to-eat counter of Nonghyup Hanaro Mart's Yangjae branch — a step up from trays for fresh produce to containers for oily, cooked food.

Hansol Paper is focusing on thin, flexible pouch-style packaging. The company is leading with "Protego," a paper product with added barrier functions that block oxygen, moisture and odor. The move takes Hansol beyond simple paper boxes into the packaging materials market, where preserving contents is essential.

This year, Hansol Paper launched "Protego HS," a paper-based secondary packaging material. The company divided the product line to match customers' printing methods and required physical properties, and conducted advance testing on printing, processing and filling processes. The focus was on reducing the burden on customers looking to switch packaging materials by minimizing the need for equipment changes.

Hankuk Paper found its market in the coating material applied to the inside of containers. Its "Green Shield" product is a packaging material designed to replace polyethylene and polypropylene coatings used in paper containers while remaining resistant to water and oil. Disclosed supply cases include popcorn cups at Lotte Cinema and smaller movie theaters, in-flight meal containers for Korean Air, and round trays for Ottogi.