Constantia Flexibles highlights decarbonization and paper packaging advances at CFIA 2026

Vienna, February 23, 2026

Constantia Flexibles, the second-biggest flexible packaging company in Europe, presents a comprehensive range of packaging solutions at CFIA 2026 in Rennes. This year’s showcase highlights major advancements in industrial digital printing, independently validated data on Low Carbon Aluminum, and significant developments within the EcoPaper portfolio and Low Carbon Aluminum products with independently validated product carbon footprints. Across all exhibits, the company focuses on high-performance materials, reliable functionality, and seamless integration into existing industrial processes.

“Our customers need validated product carbon footprint (PCF) data, dependable machinability, and solutions that fit seamlessly into current production setups,” says Jean-François Autret, Regional Sales Manager West Region at Constantia Flexibles. “At CFIA 2026 we are presenting technologies that meet these requirements, from externally validated PCF data on Low Carbon Aluminum to expanded paper solutions and new capabilities in digital printing.”

At CFIA, Constantia Flexibles is also presenting its designed for recycling Ecolutions portfolio, which includes mono-PE laminates (EcoLam), mono-PP structures (EcoVer), as well as aluminum and paper solutions, demonstrating the company’s comprehensive 360-degree approach regarding materials.

Digital printing for aluminum and PET substrates
Constantia Flexibles presents an industry-first development in digital printing with its new state-of-the-art digital printing line, now fully operational at the company’s Copenhagen plant. The system enables water-based, full-surface digital printing on aluminum and PET substrates, eliminating the need for clichés or plates and allowing extremely fast design-to-print turnaround. With coverage of 93 percent of Pantone colors and the ability to execute short print runs or mass-customized designs, the technology supports brand owners and converters who require maximum flexibility with consistent print quality.

Decarbonization with Low Carbon Aluminum
Aluminum remains essential in flexible packaging due to its barrier performance and recyclability, yet primary aluminum production is energy intensive. Constantia Flexibles is therefore expanding its offering of Low Carbon Aluminum, which provides identical technical performance with a lower Product Carbon Footprint (PCF).

The company has external validation from TÜV Süd Landesgesellschaft Österreich (Austrian branch), confirming that PCF calculations for plain aluminum foil follow ISO 14067:2018 and ISO 22095:2020. Two Low Carbon Aluminum variants are available: one manufactured using renewable-energy-based primary aluminum, and another combining such primary aluminum with recycled content. Based on validated data, the renewable-energy primary aluminum variant achieves 6.1 t CO₂e per ton of rolled plain foil, while the recycled-content variant reaches below 4.5 t CO₂e per ton. These independently reviewed figures provide brand owners with transparent data points for their sustainability assessments and reporting.

Paper packaging: The EcoPaper family
At CFIA, Constantia Flexibles is presenting its EcoPaper portfolio, a comprehensive range of paper-based, PFAS-free packaging solutions designed to support the objectives of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Developed in line with 4evergreen guidelines and certified by CEPI for recycling in standard paper streams, the portfolio consists of EcoPaper, EcoPaperPlus, and EcoPaperHighPlus— three grades that deliver progressively higher barrier performance. All variants are approved for direct food contact and run efficiently on both HFFS and VFFS lines, combining recyclability with strong operational performance.

The EcoPaper portfolio is commercially available today and already used in multiple market applications, offering customers reliable, market-proven paper-based packaging options as they navigate evolving regulatory and designed for recycling requirements. EcoPaper is designed for low-barrier applications. EcoPaperPlus enhances performance with aroma and grease barriers and offers optional MOSH/MOAH protection. For products requiring elevated protection, EcoPaperHighPlus provides high oxygen and water-vapor barriers, making it suitable for more sensitive goods.

Together, the three EcoPaper grades offer a versatile platform of paper-based packaging solutions. The experts at Constantia Flexibles work closely with customers to evaluate product needs, line performance, and material characteristics, ensuring that the most suitable substrate and barrier grade is selected to protect the product effectively. This selection process also takes environmental factors into account, supporting customers in identifying a suitable material choice that balances performance, print quality, and processing efficiency.