SealGlobal.Co’s journey began modestly in 1966 as a UK-based subsidiary. Few could have foreseen its transformation into a global leader, revolutionising both historic packaging technologies and, today, sustainable packaging solutions. Decisive moves, including a pivotal management buyout in the 1980s and the commissioning of a KwaZulu-Natal-based cutting-edge manufacturing facility in 1996, paved the way for its current stature.
Today, SealGlobal.Co’s portfolio boasts world-first innovations and industry-leading expertise. ‘We aren’t just suppliers,’ comments marketing director Marc Lewis. ‘We are collaborators and problem-solvers, creating solutions that balance environmental sustainability with economic viability.’
SealGlobal.Co’s philosophy has continually evolved, driving packaging innovations ahead of market trends. Today, its focus is on its proprietary Sustainable Packaging Chemistry™ – an approach that replaces the harmful array of plastics with water-based technologies. By using dispersion film-forming coatings designed for ecological degradability, this breakthrough ensures each product meets modern performance and cost requirements while remaining environmentally responsible.
Among SealGlobal.Co’s groundbreaking solutions are:
- KandyKote®. A patented, wax-free solution for confectionery wrapping, replacing harmful coatings with cleaner, more sustainable options.
- FastSeal®. A water-based coating that eliminates the need for film-laminated boards in fast-food packaging, delivering a 15% yield savings for brands, including grilled chicken bags.
- LabelSeal®. A water-based overprint varnish to replace solvent and UV varnishes for beverage labels, designed to disintegrate in alkaline solutions for easier recycling and reduced hydrocarbon emissions.
- CupSeal®. A plastic-free, heat-sealable coating for paper cups, catering to both hot and cold beverages.
- CrispSeal®. A revolutionary paper-based alternative to traditional plastic snack packaging, specifically tailored for products such as potato crisps.
- NatroSeal®. Fit-for-purpose paper flow wrap replacement for traditional chocolate flow wraps, eliminating mono-web and composite films and laminating adhesive inventories.
According to Marc, these innovations exemplify SealGlobal.Co’s commitment to delivering high-performance, socio-eco-conscious alternatives that empower brands to meet consumer demand for sustainability without compromising quality.
Profitability meets responsibility
Contrary to the belief that sustainability is a costly endeavour, SealGlobal.Co proves that green initiatives can boost profitability. By streamlining production, minimising material waste and optimising yields, the company supports brands, aligning sustainability with economic growth.
‘Our coatings and adhesives are environmentally superior and cost-efficient,’ explains Marc. ‘Adopting our solutions often results in fewer production processes and a lower overall carbon footprint.’
This pragmatic approach has earned SealGlobal.Co the trust of leading FMCG brands eager to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.
Marc points out that SealGlobal.Co’s candid stance against greenwashing sets it apart in an industry rife with misleading claims. The company openly critiques the ‘so-called circular economy’, challenging businesses to pursue genuine sustainability rather than hiding behind buzzwords.
Through initiatives such as Sustainable Packaging Chemistry™, SealGlobal.Co focuses on reducing plastic reliance with water-based, organically degradable coatings applied to renewable paper substrates. ‘This approach minimises petrochemical usage and supports global reforestation efforts – a vital strategy in combating climate change,’ he remarks.
Industry-transforming innovation
SealGlobal.Co’s breakthroughs haven’t gone unnoticed. The company’s FreezeKote®/FastSeal® technology, a fully recyclable and biodegradable water-based barrier coating, won a 2023/24 World Packaging Organisation (WPO) WorldStar Award for its role in reducing plastic waste in frozen food packaging. By meeting stringent EU and US food contact standards, this innovation exemplifies SealGlobal.Co’s ability to balance performance with environmental integrity.
In South Africa, SealGlobal.Co’s EcoSkid® solution earned a silver medal at the Institute of Packaging SA’s Gold Pack Awards in November 2024. This patented water-based coating improves the stability of packaged multipacks, reduces spoilage and allows for increased pallet capacity for milk carton sleeves. By minimising transit product loss and eliminating the need for additional materials such as stretch wrap, EcoSkid® offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution.
Collaborations with global brands have further solidified SealGlobal.Co’s position as a leader in sustainable innovation. To strengthen its commitment to authentic sustainable packaging, SealGlobal.Co has formalised an exclusive agreement with BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical manufacturers, in a mutually beneficial collaboration. Through this agreement, SealGlobal.Co’s innovative technology enables BASF to supply raw materials and chemistries, which are transformed into sustainable end-products that drive positive environmental impact. This partnership not only enhances BASF’s reputation by aligning with sustainability goals but also provides SealGlobal.Co with the support of a globally recognised industry leader, reinforcing its position in the market. These proprietary water-based barrier coatings – that are both re-pulpable and degradable – deliver essential performance features, such as water and oil resistance, while facilitating seamless fibre recovery in the recycling process.
A shared vision
SealGlobal.Co’s commitment to sustainability resonates deeply within South Africa, where the complexities of global supply chains and stringent environmental mandates, including EPR and Eco-Modulation, continue to challenge local businesses. The company’s locally developed solutions enable South African printers and converters to compete effectively in a market demanding eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
Marc underscores the company’s dual mission of innovation and empowerment. ‘We’re not just creating packaging solutions, we’re creating a legacy. For South African businesses, our solutions offer a way to align with global sustainability goals while maintaining profitability.’
As the demand for sustainable packaging grows, SealGlobal.Co continues to innovate, expand its reach and inspire industry-wide transformation. From replacing single-use plastics to pioneering water-based chemistries that outperform traditional materials, SealGlobal.Co aims to be the solution to one of the world’s most demanding challenges. ‘We don’t just want to be part of the solution,’ Marc asserts. ‘We want to be the solution.’
As the first African company to be recognised as a dual finalist in Packaging Europe’s Sustainability Awards, SealGlobal.Co has set benchmarks in packaging innovation for over five decades. With a steadfast commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology and reducing environmental impact, the company embodies its ethos: ‘Great business for good’.
For businesses worldwide, and particularly in South Africa, SealGlobal.Co offers more than packaging solutions – it offers a partnership in building a sustainable future. SealGlobal.Co’s story serves as a rallying cry for the industry to embrace meaningful change, because the future of our planet depends on it.
