Composite material

Meaning

What is a composite material?

A composite material (also known as a multilayer material) consists of several different layers of material that are firmly bonded together. The aim is to combine the respective advantages of the individual materials – such as barrier properties, stability, flexibility or printability.

In the food sector, composite materials are often used to provide products with optimum protection against external influences such as oxygen, moisture or light. Typical examples are combinations of plastic, aluminum and paper, such as those used for snack packaging, coffee or ready meals.

Composite materials enable high product safety, but are often more complex to recycle.

Why composite materials are relevant for food brands

The requirements for food packaging are high – especially in terms of shelf life and product protection. Composite materials often offer the best technical solution here.

The most important advantages:

• Optimum barrier properties: protection against oxygen, moisture and light
• Longer shelf life: extending shelf life
• High stability: protection during transportation and storage
• Design flexibility: adaptable to different product requirements

At the same time, composite materials are the focus of sustainability discussions, as they are more difficult to recycle than monomaterials.

Best practices for packaging & brand strategy

Consciously weighing up the use of materials

Composite materials should be used specifically where they are functionally necessary. At the same time, it is worth examining alternatives such as more recyclable solutions.

This is where material consulting, packaging development and sustainability strategy come together.

Thinking about sustainability and communication

If composite materials are used, it should be communicated transparently why they are necessary. At the same time, optimizations in material reduction or recyclability can make an important contribution.

You can find inspiration for well thought-out material strategies in the MILK. cases: