Ricoh partners with Celanese to expand environmental sustainability capabilities

Renewable cellulosic film supports brands and Print Service Providers in their drive for sustainable production of laminated applications

Ricoh Europe, London, January 31, 2023 – Ricoh is enabling progressive Print Service Providers to support brands in their adoption of more sustainable products and practices through its partnership with biopolymer film manufacturer Celanese.

Ideal for both wet and thermal lamination applications, Celanese Clarifoil® Cellulosic Film provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based plastic films commonly used in today’s print laminations. The film is manufactured utilising renewable wood pulp from PEFC-endorsed forests of fast-growing eucalyptus trees that are not genetically modified. It is available in a gloss finish offering a brilliant sheen or in a matte finish for an elegant, easy to read and write on surface. The film has a natural dry touch and a hardwearing surface suitable for varnish, foiling, and gluing.

The film extends brands‘ choice of environmentally responsible options for applications such as book covers, menus, and Point of Purchase materials. Celanese Clarifoil® Cellulosic Film is certified bio-based, water biodegradable, as well as home and industrial compostable. 

Erwin Busselot, Director of Business Innovation & Solutions, Ricoh Graphic Communications, Ricoh Europe, comments: “We are always looking for ways to improve the sustainability of print and the materials used. Clarifoil® Cellulosic Film is compatible with Ricoh’s toner-based sheetfed presses (Pro C9200 Series, RICOH ProTM C7200sx Series, RICOH ProTM C5300s Series and the RICOH ProTM 8300s Series) and can be subsequently laminated,  making it an excellent alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based plastic films. Renewable, biodegradable and compostable, it helps deliver high performance applications with a reduced environmental impact. The partnership follows the attainment of Smithers Pira Certificate of Conformity, assuring EU food packaging legislation compliance further demonstrating Ricoh’s commitment to enabling sustainable production technologies for our clients.”

Ramune Shepherd, Celanese Field Development Manager, adds: “We are delighted to be able to work with Ricoh to help brands make sustainability-focused choices. Clarifoil® Cellulosic Film is produced from a natural source using a precision casting process that provides excellent optical clarity, a wide range of film thicknesses and popular surface finishes.”

Clarifoil® Cellulosic Film is available across EMEA.

For further certification or technical information, please contact biopolymers@celanese.com, call 00 44 1332 681205 or visit www.ricoh-europe.com.