Billerud Expands Medical Paper Portfolio 

Billerud has launched MediKraft SealBase, a high-quality surface treated medical paper designed to meet the medical packaging industry’s growing needs. The introduction expands the company’s current medical paper product line.

“MediKraft SealBase demonstrates our commitment to the medical segment and providing solutions to our customers. This is a strategic step in broadening Billerud’s product portfolio in medical paper, allowing us to cater to a wider range of medical applications and customers seeking alternatives to traditional latex-based cold seal products,” said Robert Torstensson, vice president, Business Area Paper at Billerud.

Produced at Billerud’s Skärblacka mill in Sweden and made of pure virgin fiber, the 38 gsm grade MediKraft SealBase is the first product being released in this range. It is tailored to be a base paper for medical synthetic cold seal coatings, offering a solution for medical applications where a sterile barrier system is not required—ideally suited for applications such as plaster and offering a potential use with latex-based cold seal coatings.

“An integrated pulp production ensures complete control of the manufacturing process, supported by comprehensive quality control systems. MediKraft SealBase also offers a competitive edge through our advanced sustainability credentials, solidifying our reputation as a trusted partner in providing high-quality, environmentally responsible medical paper products,” Torstensson stated.

Billerud has more than 50 years of expertise in producing medical papers, globally supplying its two main brands—SteriKraft and MediKraft. Billerud SteriKraft is a range of clean and safe microbial barrier medical paper that is suitable for various sterilization methods and ensures sterility and purity until the point of use. Billerud MediKraft is a range of strong, high-purity papers for applications that do not require microbial barrier properties such as inner wrapping of single-use gloves, plaster packaging, and examination table covers.

With integrated pulp production, Billerud ensures complete control of the manufacturing process, supported by quality control systems. No Optical Brightening Agents (OBA) are used in the production, and quality is monitored with advanced tools like Web Inspection Systems (WIS) and in-house bioburden labs. Full traceability further ensures product safety. MediKraft SealBase is tested for various sterilization methods, including E-Beam, gamma, EO, and steam, ensuring broad compatibility with industry requirements.

Made from virgin fiber, MediKraft SealBase maintains high purity through controlled bioburden and cytotoxicity testing. The absence of OBA, latex, and recycled fibers enhances the product’s suitability for medical applications. The material is strong and thereby offers excellent runnability, enabling efficient conversion processes. The smooth MG (machine-glazed) side improves printability.

As a recyclable product, MediKraft SealBase supports Billerud’s commitment to reducing environmental impact. Billerud claims to be the only company that consistently produces and discloses Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for nearly all its medical paper products; the firm is working to extend this transparency to cover all product lines in the near future.