Paper-based packaging has become much more than just a matter of image, particularly in the food and e-commerce sectors. Brand owners and packaging manufacturers are switching to sustainable and, above all, recyclable solutions, driven by regulatory requirements such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). To support this transition while maintaining product integrity, process stability and efficiency, Henkel Adhesive Technologies is enhancing its paper coatings portfolio with water-based barrier and heat seal coatings. The solutions are designed to improve the functionality of paper-based packaging and strengthen ‘design for recycling’ approaches.
From plastic to paper: heat seal coatings open up a wide range of applications
By providing reliable heat-sealing performance on paper, Henkel is opening up numerous possibilities for paper-based packaging in applications where plastic solutions have long been the standard. These predominantly include formats requiring a seam, such as bags, sachets, or shipping packaging for small items like screws and toys, as well as (dry) food and hygiene products. On suitable papers, heat seals enable a reliable bond through thermal conjunction. The new solutions in Henkel’s paper coatings portfolio support this performance even at low temperatures and high line speeds. In addition, they are repulpable, compatible with recycling and approved for food contact in accordance with FDA and EU regulations. To enhance process reliability during use, a UV tracer version is also available, which aids in application monitoring and quality management.
Reliable protection for paper-based packaging with barrier coatings
Depending on the intended use of the paper packaging, the focus is not only on efficiently and securely sealing the material but also protecting the contents through functional barriers. Barrier coatings provide paper-based packaging with essential protective properties thereby opening up areas of application that previously demanded plastic-based or multi-layer composite materials. With the right formulation, they not only provide the necessary resistance to grease, water, and moisture, they also enable reliable heat sealing. In response to growing market demand, Henkel has expanded and optimized its portfolio, offering coating solutions that deliver reliable barrier performance for primary and secondary packaging. These products can easily be integrated into standard coating and packaging processes and are repulpable and compatible with recycling.
“With our expanded paper coatings portfolio, we enable paper-based packaging that is ready for current market demands. By providing the necessary barrier and sealing properties for numerous applications in the food and non-food sectors, we are not only supporting the shift towards recyclable packaging solutions but also helping customers to achieve their sustainability targets within the scope of the PPWR,” says Dr. Arianna Savini, Market Strategy Manager Paper Packaging Europe at Henkel Adhesive Technologies.