As we mentioned in the post about the new EU legislation, a complete ban on chemical barrier coatings containing PFAS has been passed. Plus there are strict requirements for further processing of packaging, which strongly push manufacturers to use monomaterials. These factors require the use of new barrier coating options. So what are the alternatives?
Unfortunately, at the moment there are not nearly as many of them as we would like. Namely, only two. We are, of course, talking about truly proven barrier properties.
The first option is barriers made from agricultural waste. Here the Traceless company is in first place, having created a technology for producing special granules from plant residues, which can then replace plastic materials. Last month, the company struck a deal with Mondi to completely replace its chemical-based barriers.
A second alternative to chemical barriers is silicon dioxide. The Italian company Qwarzo is engaged in this area. Its technological solutions include the development of mineral-based coating formulations and equipment for process control: thermoforming, paper processing and cardboard cutting. The essence of the technology is to bind silicon dioxide to cellulose fibers in such a way that it creates a barrier coating.
In addition to these two options, there are a large number of quite promising developments, and legislative changes will encourage companies to finance such innovations. Looking forward to continued research...
Materials used from packaginginsights.com.