Driving innovation in sustainable food packaging: an interview with Rafael Yamamoto, R&D global manager at Ahlstrom
As the packaging industry gathers for FACHPACK, Ahlstrom continues to lead the way in sustainable paper-based materials for food applications Rafael Yamamoto, Global R&D Manager for Ahlstrom’s Food Packaging business, shares insights into the company’s most recent innovations, its long-term vision for sustainable packaging, and how cross-industry collaboration is key to driving meaningful change.
What are your most recent innovations in sustainable packaging?
Over the past few years, our Food Business Unit has focused intensively on the transition away from PFAS in grease-resistant materials. Today, we’re proud to say that Ahlstrom is a reference point in PFAS-free grease resistance solutions, both in Europe and North America.
Our portfolio spans a wide range of end uses—from less demanding applications in Quick Service Restaurants like wraps, bags, and clamshells, to highly demanding formats like dry pet food bags. In addition, we’ve developed PFAS-free solutions for microwave popcorn, butter, biscuits, and many more food categories.
When it comes to barrier development, we’re currently presenting “Horizon 2” solutions that target high moisture vapor transmission resistance (MVTR) for demanding uses such as pet food bags, chicken sandwich wraps, food processing papers, and confectionery flow packs—often replacing traditional plastic films or aluminum foil.
Are you developing new barrier technologies (grease, moisture, oxygen)?
Yes. Our next step is to engage in “Horizon 3” developments, aiming to introduce coated, very high multibarrier solutions and/or advanced base paper technologies. These innovations can then be further enhanced by our converting partners through metallization or lamination processes to reach extreme barrier performance. These types of solutions are critical for packaging that needs to deliver maximum protection while supporting sustainability goals.
What is Ahlstrom’s expertise and competence in R&D?
Our R&D team within the Food Business Unit brings deep expertise in paper and coating engineering. The team includes seven PhDs and engineers fully dedicated to new product and application development.
They work closely with our Corporate R&D organization, which provides additional support across six key areas: cellulose science, refining, wet-laid forming, food contact compliance, surface treatments, and analytical services. This structure ensures that our innovations are technically sound, safe, and tailored to market needs.
What are your key development goals for the next 3–5 years in terms of market segment evolution?
Our focus is on developing very high and extreme multibarrier solutions that can replace conventional materials in demanding applications like shelf-stable foods.
Over the next 3 to 5 years, our key goals are to provide more sustainable packaging alternatives for segments such as food powders, condiment sauces, coffee, pet food treats, and confectionery. These solutions are being developed for a wide range of packaging formats—including pillow bags, sachets, stick packs, and stand-up pouches—to ensure versatility across both retail and food service environments.
What kind of partnerships would be of interest for your product development initiatives? Are you actively looking for new partners?
Absolutely. The development of extreme multibarrier solutions cannot be achieved by one company alone. It requires full vertical collaboration across the value chain—from chemistry and coating suppliers to converters, co-packers, metallization experts, and beyond.
We’re always open to partnerships that bring complementary expertise and capabilities. That includes not only technical and supply chain partners, but also forward-looking brands who want to co-develop new, sustainable packaging. Their early involvement is critical to ensure that new materials meet functional requirements, brand expectations, and regulatory standards.
Are you developing new grades that meet compostable or recyclable requirements?
Yes. As a rule, all our new solutions are designed with recyclability in mind, following the CEPI recyclability test method in Europe and the Western Michigan University (WMU) protocol in North America.
We understand that recyclability is a shared responsibility. While our papers meet the criteria, the performance of the final packaging also depends on how it's converted. That’s why we collaborate closely with converters and brands—to make sure inks, varnishes, and additional coatings won’t compromise recyclability or fiber recovery.
Compostability is not always a priority—especially in Europe, where recyclability is generally the preferred end-of-life scenario. However, when compostability is requested, we support customers with biobased and compostable raw materials and aim to comply with both Home and Industrial composting certifications.
All of these efforts are grounded in Ahlstrom’s Safe and Sustainable by Design approach.
From the earliest development stages, our products are evaluated for safety, compliance, sustainability, and circularity—ensuring that our innovations meet today’s market needs while aligning with long-term environmental goals.
Join us at FACHPACK to discover how Ahlstrom is driving the next generation of sustainable food packaging solutions.