Transparent paper packaging is an innovative alternative to plastic packaging. 100% bio-based packaging with unique touch and feel can be used for wrapping, storing, shipping, and displaying products. Perfect for industries ranging from fashion and cosmetics to food and electronics, transparent papers provide the same functionality and durability as traditional plastic packaging, bio-based plastic, or cellophane – but they are fully recyclable and compostable.
What is transparent paper?
Before oil-based plastic dominated, cellophane film made from cellulose fibers shaped the packaging industry. New sustainability goals and regulations have brought cellulosic-based transparent paper back to the forefront, replacing plastic packaging in many applications.
Transparent paper is made of natural cellulose fibers, creating a transparent or translucent film. From sachets to clothing bags, screen protectors to paper windows, transparent paper has uses across various industries, such as luxury fashion, electronics, e-commerce, healthcare, food, and office supplies. The sky is the limit!
You’re probably already aware of the green transition and may have decided to join the movement for safer, more sustainable solutions. Great choice!
Transparent papers give you a powerful sustainable advantage. Ranging from outstandingly clear to subtly translucent solutions, Ahlstrom has various transparency levels available to fit your needs and help position your brand at the forefront of sustainability.
Why should you consider using transparent paper packaging for your business?
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100% renewable, fiber-based material – an alternative for fossil-based materials
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Industrial and home compostable
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Lightweight and recyclable as paper
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Excellent transparency level
Compostable and Bio-Based Packaging Tends to Rank Higher in Several Countries |
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Enhance Brand Image |
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The Sustainable Choice |
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60-70% of consumers said they would pay more for sustainable packaging, while many say that the look and feel of product packaging plays a key role in their purchasing decisions. Transparent paper packaging enhances customer appeal by providing product visibility – which in turn builds trust and transparency. Allowing customers to see the product inside can increase their confidence in the purchase, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty. |
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As consumers become more environmentally conscious, adopting sustainable packaging makes your brand stand out. Aligning with the values of your customers can make them more loyal to your brand and make them want to pay premium for goods from a sustainable company. Sustainable packaging can be leveraged for positive PR and marketing. The use of transparent paper in packaging enables various industries including food, fashion, electronics and e-commerce, to effectively convey a value of trust in customers’ minds. |
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With increasing environmental regulations, using sustainable packaging helps brands stay ahead of compliance requirements and avoid possible penalties. Although the initial investment in sustainable packaging can be higher, downsized packaging such as transparent paper packaging can lead to long-term cost savings through reduced material usage and lower shipping costs. |
Transparent paper packaging examples
Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials, supporting various industries to address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Bio-based transparent materials developed by Ahlstrom are certified as compostable in homes or industrial settings (EN13432) and recyclable (EN13430).
Switching to sustainable and transparent packaging in toys industry
There is a strong desire in the toy industry to find sustainable alternatives to packaging. Many aim to have all packaging made from sustainably sourced materials – either renewable or recycled – by 2025.
Toy companies also emphasize the need to reduce single-use plastics and increase the use of recycled paper and plastics – considering both ecological and economic alternatives. BioPET or recycled PET plastics have been suggested as alternatives to plastic in windows and blister packs.
Ahlstrom’s fiber-based alternative to plastic is transparent paper, which is biodegradable, recyclable, and reveals games or toys through packaging.
Switching to transparent packaging wrap for luxury cosmetics
Luxury cosmetics companies are strongly committed to sustainability in their packaging. There is a commitment to increasing the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material in packaging by up to 50% by 2025.
Efforts are also focused on reducing packaging weight, developing refillable, recyclable, and mono-material packaging, while reducing the amount of plastic used in packaging.
Ahlstrom’s transparent paper packaging is a way of meeting all these goals. Transparent paper packaging can make a brand stand out as the sustainable choice, and redefine the standard of sustainable luxury.
Switching to sustainable transparent packaging bags in fashion industry
Polybags made from plastic or synthetic materials like polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) are widely used in supply chains for various fashion brands. Furthermore, the polybags used in e-commerce are challenging to collect and process separately.
How about switching to sustainable transparent packaging bags? Fiber-based, transparent alternatives to plastic polybags protect garments during shipping, while revealing their beauty at the same time. Home-compostable clothing bags with water-based inks for printed information are the new trend in this industry.
Other versatile end uses of transparent paper packaging
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This highly transparent, recyclable paper enables fully paper-based envelopes. Made from renewable materials, it offers a sustainable solution for even demanding applications, making it ideal for eco-conscious industries requiring high visibility and sustainability.
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Manufactured from natural cellulose fibers, yet our innovative transparent paper offers the same level of functionality and durability as traditional plastic packaging. Our collaboration with Maped in the flowpack solution for eraser packaging showcases the versatility of transparent paper in various converting options and industrial applications.
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Renewable, recyclable, compostable, and made of natural fibers - our transparent paper-based solutions are safe for direct food contact, making them the perfect plastic-free alternatives for food packaging.
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Ahlstrom's transparent paper perfectly fits for healthcare industry with transparent pharmaceutical pouches, which allows immediate pill identification and excellent printability to enhance medication recognition.
Be part of the change – Join the transparency movement!
We are pioneering the development of sustainable, recyclable transparent papers for a variety of uses. Ahlstrom boasts one of the largest installed capacities in the market for transparent paper grades.
Whether you're a packaging converter, distributor, brand, or retailer, we are actively looking for brilliant partners to take this transparency movement to new heights. Are you ready to join us in driving the next generation of sustainable packaging and wrapping?