A Paper-Based, Sustainable Guide for IMA-Compatible Rollstock Packaging
Choosing the right rollstock material is crucial for efficiency, product protection, and sustainability, particularly when utilizing IMA packaging machines. This guide focuses on selecting the best paper-based laminated rollstock materials—such as PE-coated paper, metallized paper, and PLA-coated structures—for tea, coffee, and dry food applications using IMA automatic packing systems.
Global Use of IMA Machines in Flexible Packaging
IMA is a leading name in automated packaging systems worldwide, especially in the tea, coffee, and pharmaceutical sectors. Their machines rely heavily on roll-fed materials to form, fill, and seal pouches or sachets at high speeds with precision.
Key machine models include:
- IMA C24, IMA C2000 – Used for tea bag envelopes
- IMA Tea & Herbs Lines – For outer overwrap film
- IMA Coffee Capsule Systems – For sachet and stick pack rollstock
Material Compatibility Requirements for IMA Machines
Not all materials work smoothly on IMA lines. Below are the core technical requirements when selecting rollstock:
1. Heat Sealability
Materials must seal quickly under low-to-moderate heat to match IMA’s rapid sealing cycles.
2. Stiffness & Foldability
A certain paper stiffness (measured in Gurley or bending resistance) is required to avoid feeding jams or improper folding.
3. Surface Friction (COF)
The coefficient of friction should remain between 0.25–0.45 to ensure smooth unwinding, especially in high-speed formats.
4. Ink & Print Stability
Ink must be rub-resistant and food-safe, since friction between rollers may smudge poor-quality printing.
5. Pinhole Resistance
Barrier layers must be consistent, especially for products like herbal teas or flavored powders.
Recommended Paper-Based Rollstock Materials for IMA
| Material Type | Lamination | Key Features | Best For | Seal Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE-coated paper | Paper + PE | Moisture barrier, easy seal | Tea outer wrap, powder sachets | 110–130 |
| PLA-coated paper | Paper + PLA | Compostable, printable | Organic tea, herbal blends | 140–160 |
| ALU-foil paper | Paper + ALU-Foil | Aroma retention, premium finish | Flavored tea, gift packs | 120–140 |
| PBS-coated paper | Paper + PBS | Heat-sealable, eco-friendly | Stick packs, sugar sachets | 120–140 |
Common Questions When Using Paper Rollstock on IMA Machines
Choosing the right material often leads to technical concerns. Below are common client pain points and how to address them:
Q1: Can PLA-coated paper run smoothly on IMA machines?
Yes, but sealing temperature and dwell time must be adjusted. PLA has a higher sealing point than PE, and requires precise temperature control (140–160°C).
Q2: What causes roll film jamming or curling during feeding?
Often due to paper that is either too soft (low grammage) or unevenly laminated. Materials should be >60gsm with tight lamination tension control.
Q3: How to prevent tea bag outer envelopes from leaking aroma?
Use metallized paper rollstock or double-coated PE/PET structures with high aroma retention. Ensure no pinholes in the coating.
Q4: Can I use water-based inks for food-grade printing?
Yes. Water-based or soy inks are preferred for food compliance and sustainability. Ensure they are rub-resistant during machine handling.
Q5: Is perforation needed for tear-open function on IMA?
Yes, especially for sugar, powder, or tea bags. Materials should support laser or mechanical perforation without compromising seal integrity.
Eco-Friendly Trends: Paper Rollstock Meets Sustainability
Driven by EU Green Deal, USDA Organic standards, and consumer demand, tea and food brands are rapidly shifting to paper-based roll films that are recyclable or compostable.
Key green packaging innovations:
- PLA-coated rollstock accepted by compostable packaging programs
- Single-material PE-coated paper for local recyclability
- Metallized paper without plastic lamination to reduce composite waste
- PBS coatings as biodegradable alternatives to conventional PE
According to Smithers Pira, demand for compostable flexible packaging is expected to grow by 8.7% CAGR globally through 2028.
Source: Smithers Pira Sustainable Packaging Report
XLD’s IMA-Compatible Rollstock Packaging Materials
At XLD, we provide high-performance, IMA-compatible paper rollstock solutions optimized for sustainability and machine efficiency.
Our solutions include:
- PE-coated kraft paper: Strong barrier with excellent machine runnability
- PLA or PBS-coated laminated paper: Fully compostable and food-safe
- Metallized kraft paper: Premium look with aroma retention
- Custom grammage control for stiffness and tear resistance
- Food-grade water-based ink printing with tight color registration
We work closely with tea, coffee, and dry food brands to ensure packaging material perfectly fits IMA machine parameters, while also meeting EU and FDA regulatory standards.
Looking for reliable paper-based rollstock for your IMA machines?
XLD offers tailored rollstock materials that enhance sealing, sustainability, and speed. Let us help your brand move toward greener, machine-friendly packaging.
FAQs
1. What grammage of paper works best for IMA machines?
Typically, 60–80 gsm paper base with lamination is ideal. Too low may curl, too high may jam.
2. Can metallized paper seal well on IMA equipment?
Yes, with a suitable heat-sealable layer like PE or PBS. It offers both barrier and performance.
3. Is PLA rollstock safe for direct food contact?
Absolutely. PLA coatings are food-safe, compostable, and certified by multiple regulatory bodies.
4. Do I need special ink for paper-based rollstock?
Yes. Use water-based or soy inks that are rub-resistant and food-compliant.
5. Can XLD customize paper rollstock for my IMA machine model?
Yes. We adjust grammage, coating type, COF, sealing layers, and print layout based on your exact machine settings.
