Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, is proud to announce the launch of MasterTape® Cristal, a paper-based transparent tape backing to reduce plastic waste and promote a more sustainable future.

Around 80% of the PSA (pressure-sensitive adhesive) packaging tape used in the world today is made of plastic. Ahlstrom is now introducing MasterTape® Cristal, a revolutionary transparent tape backing made entirely from renewable materials. It is ideal for a wide range of applications, from gift wrapping to packaging and office use, and it offers similar strength and transparency as traditional plastic tape, ensuring no compromise on quality. This innovative tape-backing solution is not only strong and versatile but also recyclable1 and suitable for compostability2, thus reducing plastic waste and environmental impact.

"MasterTape® Cristal is the result of a close collaboration with different stakeholders, including customers and suppliers. We have partnered with the leading sustainability-driven companies to develop MasterTape® Cristal, and it has already received enthusiastic feedback from early adopters, including schools, offices, retailers, and households, who appreciate its environmental benefits without sacrificing performance", says Laurent Lebrette, Head of R&D for Ahlstrom's Tape business.

"We have developed a breakthrough product that enables the transition from plastic to paper, something that previously was not achieved for transparent materials. MasterTape® Cristal is a great example of a solution that we have developed in cooperation with our customers to help them address the challenge of reducing overall climate impact and more specifically Scope 3 emissions", adds Sebastien Ferrari, Product Manager at Ahlstrom's Tape business.

1 according to both EN13430 requirements and conditions and the CEPI Recyclability Laboratory Test Method Version 2 Rev. 08/2022-09-27

2 according to EN 13432