With the launch of the “Inno-Fiber” event series, Innoform Coaching GmbH has created a platform dedicated to supporting the transformation of the packaging industry. Under the theme “Functional papers for packaging applications,” experts from industry and research gathered in Osnabrück on 15–16 April 2026 to discuss the potential, trade-offs and technological progress of fibre-based packaging solutions.
Paperisation gains momentum – but challenges remain
The substitution of plastics with paper is one of the defining trends in flexible packaging. This shift is largely driven by regulatory frameworks such as the EU Green Deal and the PPWR. However, significant challenges remain – most notably the conflict between barrier performance and recyclability.
While functional paper materials are opening up new application areas, coatings, additives and food residues complicate recycling processes. At the same time, shortages of plastic recyclates and economic pressures are reshaping the competitive landscape.
Sustainability goes beyond material choice
A key takeaway from the conference: paper is not inherently more sustainable. Consumer decisions are often driven by intuition, where convenience, functionality and price outweigh environmental considerations.
From a technical perspective, recyclability alone is not sufficient. A holistic view is required—one that includes resource consumption, CO₂ emissions, as well as energy, water and land use. Increased material weight, for example, can offset environmental gains.
Recycling as a critical success factor
As paper-based composites become more complex, recycling systems face growing challenges. New contaminants such as bio-based materials, waxes and food residues disrupt established processes.
Key requirements include:
- clear definitions of contamination thresholds
- harmonised testing methods (e.g. for PFAS)
- consistent design-for-recycling standards
Only coordinated efforts across the value chain will enable a stable circular economy for fibre-based packaging.
Advances in barrier technologies and coatings
Significant progress has been made in functional barrier papers. New coating and converting technologies now enable:
- effective barriers against oxygen, grease and mineral oils
- ultra-thin functional layers
- reduced coating weights and energy consumption
Both extrusion and curtain coating offer application-specific advantages. At the same time, innovative coating systems are paving the way for replacing multi-material structures with recyclable mono-paper solutions.
Transparent, uncoated papers are also gaining traction, combining barrier functionality with recyclability and biodegradability—making them a promising alternative to plastics.
Processing challenges: paper is not plastic
Switching from plastic to paper requires major adjustments in converting processes. Material-specific properties such as lower elasticity, higher stiffness and increased friction affect machine performance.
Critical success factors include:
- application-specific forming tools
- adapted sealing technologies
- precise matching of materials and machinery
Stable production processes can only be achieved through testing and close collaboration along the value chain.
New raw materials and regulatory drivers
Alternative fibres such as straw are emerging as promising raw materials. As an agricultural by-product with short transport routes, straw offers scalable and circular potential.
Regulatory frameworks also play a key role. EPR fee structures and eco-modulation schemes favour paper-based packaging in many European markets. However, coatings can shift classification to composite materials, significantly increasing costs.
Conclusion: transformation requires system thinking
INNO-Fiber 2026 made one thing clear: paper can replace plastic in many applications – but not universally. Success depends on a deep understanding of materials, processes and end-use requirements, combined with a consistent focus on circularity.
By bringing together industry, research and application, the new event series delivers valuable impulses for the future of functional packaging papers—and is well on its way to becoming a fixed date in the industry calendar.