Chespa, a Poland-based company with operations across Eastern Europe, has collaborated with Asahi Photoproducts and Esko to introduce high-quality, compostable packaging for food products. This innovative packaging solution is printed with Chespa’s plant-based inks, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging. Samples of the packaging will be available for viewing at Asahi’s stand at drupa, a major printing industry trade fair.
Chespa’s partnership with Asahi and Esko utilizes Esko’s Crystal V screening and XPS Crystal Exposure system, along with Asahi’s AWP CleanPrint carbon-neutral water-washable plates. This combination ensures high-quality printing with optimized ink consumption, minimal waste, robust color, and no VOCs.
Chespa, founded in 1991, is known for its sustainable practices and investments in eco-friendly solutions. The company’s inks are manufactured using renewable feedstock and generate 35% less eCO2/kg compared to standard inks. These inks are also biodegradable and compostable in both home and industrial facilities.
The collaboration with Asahi and Esko involved testing the packaging with a chocolate manufacturer and a peanut-based product manufacturer. Both reported exceptional quality using Chespa’s specialty inks, sustainable substrates, high-quality screening from Esko, and Asahi’s carbon-neutral printing plates.
Anetta Malkusch, PR, Marketing & Advertising Manager at Chespa, stated, “Our brand owner client chose a sustainable paper substrate with barrier coatings for packaging their products based on its barrier against oxygen, water, aromas, and fat, and its suitability for heat sealing.” She added, “Chespa is also proud to have been recognized with an FTA sustainability award for the water-based inks used in this project which are based on renewable feedstocks.”
The barrier-coated paper, branded FlexiLack FX Barrier by Chespa, is designed for twistwrap and flow-wrap applications in confectionery, bakery, and non-food products. It offers excellent optical properties, enhanced barrier capabilities, and is cold-seal compatible, making it ideal for premium-look labeling applications.
This project highlights Chespa’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the packaging industry, providing brand owners with high-quality, compostable packaging solutions.