Page 70 - Plastics News June 2026
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PRODUCT NEWS
ers working on packaging changes linked to sus- Natur-Tec and Bayer to co-develop biode-
tainability. Siegwerk said Cirkit Novaseal brings gradable seedling cups
together its circular economy approach and its
experience in heat sealing, drawing on experi-
ence and technologies obtained through the Al-
linova acquisition within a single product line.
The heat-seal lacquers are made for sealing
consistency, hot-tack results and bond strength
across different packaging uses.The range in-
cludes products with varying characteristics and
performance profiles, including options suited to
gravure and flexographic printing and to differ-
ent sealing temperature needs. Northern Technologies International Corporation
unit Natur-Tec India and Bayer have partnered
According to the company, the line includes ver- to co-develop biodegradable and compostable
sions with low seal initiation temperatures for cups for seedlings. The two parties have en-
processing efficiency, strong hot tack for high- tered a memorandum of understanding (MOU)
speed packaging operations, and bond strength in this regard. The partnership aims to “trans-
at low coating weights to support converting form” nursery operations and support sustain-
methods such as flexo and gravure.The struc- able farming, according to a press release. The
ture of the range is meant to help converters project aims to replace single-use plastic cups
choose lacquer products according to applica- used in nurseries while keeping the new product
tion method, performance requirements and suitable for use with common nematicides and
end-use needs.Within Siegwerk’s Cirkit brand, fungicides. The compostable cups are intended
the Novaseal line has been developed with cir- to decompose during transplant cycles, reduc-
cularity in mind. The range is aimed at paper- ing waste generated in nurseries and aligning
based packaging and selected flexible applica- with circular economy practices. The partner-
tions, combining functional use with packaging ship combines Bayer’s crop science experience
designs intended to support recyclability. Cirkit and Natur-Tec’s background in compostable bi-
Novaseal products are already on the market opolymers for the development of the product.
and are backed by Siegwerk’s technical service
and application support. Siegwerk circular econ- Trial runs are due to start in vegetable and fruit
omy coatings head Gilles Le Moigne said: “Cirkit nurseries in India, where germination, growth in-
Novaseal is a key milestone in strengthening our dicators and yield results will be assessed. The
coatings offering for sustainable packaging. By cups are being designed to aid seedling growth
unifying our heat sealing expertise under one in the early stages, including under exposure to
strong product brand, we make it easier for cus- crop protection treatments, without affecting
tomers to navigate performance requirements germination, root formation or seedling vigour.
while aligning with circular economy goals.” Natur-Tec vice-president and global market de-
72 PLASTICS NEWS June 2026
