Sappi Europe is strengthening its position as a leader in sustainable packaging with the launch of Guard Pro OHS and Guard Pro OMH. These two recyclables, mono-material papers, deliver high-barrier protection without compromising production efficiency. Designed to help brand owners meet tightening EU packaging regulations such as the PPWR, the new solutions offer a paper-based alternative to plastic and multilayer foils that is ready for today's fast-paced manufacturing lines.
Two solutions, one goal: performance with sustainability
Guard Pro OHS is a heat-sealable, high-barrier paper designed for applications such as flow-wraps, sachets, and pouches. It offers strong protection against oxygen, water vapor, grease, and MOSH/MOAH. These barrier properties help extend shelf life, preserve aroma and product quality, and protect contents from contamination. The paper has enhanced mechanical properties, which lead to a better runnability on packaging machines.
The paper is available in two finishes: Natural (62, 72 and 92 g/m²), and Gloss (77, 87 and 102 g/m²). It is suitable for direct food contact and complies with toy safety standards, making it ideal for both food and non-food packaging that require secure seal integrity and safety assurance. Typical applications include snacks, dry foods, ice cream flow wrap, hygiene products, and children's items, where safety, freshness, and compliance are key.
Guard Pro OMH offers the similar barrier properties as OHS but is designed for cold-seal applications. It's a cost-effective solution for applications where heat sealing isn't needed. With improved oxygen barrier compared to OHS, Guard Pro OMH fits a wide range of food and non-food uses. Because of the particularly smooth surface the paper offers excellent conversion results in metallization, making it ideal for metal deposition and further conversion to ultra-high barrier applications. The paper is available in an uncoated Natural version (60, 70 and 90 g/m²) and a Glossy (75, 85 and 100 g/m²) version.
The choice between Guard Pro OHS and Guard Pro OMH gives packaging engineers more control over sealing method, production speed, and material costs, without compromising recyclability or protection.
"With Guard Pro OHS and Guard Pro OMH, we're giving the market more flexibility and choice when selecting recyclable, high-barrier papers" - said Filip van Ranst, Sales Director at Sappi.
"These products help brands meet sustainability goals without compromising performance or production efficiency. From sealing technologies to barrier performance, we're offering practical, paper-based solutions that meet real-world production needs. These additions let our customers design packaging that's functional, efficient, and ready for recycling - without compromise."
Additional Guard innovations on show
Alongside the high barrier papers Guard Pro OHS and OMH, Sappi will also highlight other functional barrier papers in its Guard portfolio.
Leading ice cream manufacturers are currently testing Guard Duo (formerly known as ICC). It was originally developed for ice cream cone sleeves (105 gsm) and is now also being trialled in a 115-gsm version for premium block-bottom bag applications.
Guard Twist Gloss, a recyclable, wax-free twist paper for chocolate and confectionery, will also be featured, after successful tests by leading packaging machinery manufacturers. The glossy side of the paper is delivering excellent print performance, capable of withstanding the harsh twisting. At 45 gsm, it is mildly grease-resistant and suitable for direct food contact.
Sustainable packaging with proven performance
Sappi's Guard portfolio reflects its long-term commitment to fibre-based, functional packaging. All Guard papers are available as FSC Mix Credit (FSC™-C015022) or 100% PEFC (PEFC/07-32-76) certified on request and subject to availability and support the transition away from plastic and multi-material packaging toward recyclable, mono-material solutions.
The Guard portfolio is part of Sappi's broader strategy to support innovation in paper-based packaging across categories, from food and confectionery to hygiene and premium retail.
