Henkel Adhesive Technologies is expanding its paper coatings portfolio with water-based barrier and heat seal solutions intended for packaging in the food and non-food sectors. According to the company, the development of this offering is driven by the growing importance of paper-based packaging, particularly in the food and e-commerce industries, as well as by regulatory requirements concerning sustainable and recyclable solutions, including the EU PPWR regulation. The new coatings are intended to improve the functionality of paper packaging while maintaining product integrity, process stability and production efficiency. Another objective is to strengthen the design for recycling approach in packaging development.
The new solutions include heat seal coatings designed to enable effective sealing of paper in applications where plastic packaging has so far remained the standard. This primarily concerns formats requiring a seam, such as bags, sachets or shipping packaging for small items, for example screws and toys, as well as packaging for dry food and hygiene products. On appropriately selected paper substrates, these coatings provide a durable bond in the thermal joining process. According to the manufacturer, the new solutions maintain the required performance even at low temperatures and high line speeds. In addition, they are repulpable, recycling-compatible and approved for food contact in accordance with FDA and EU regulations. The portfolio also includes a UV tracer version to support application monitoring and quality management.
Barrier coatings for the protection of paper packaging
In the case of paper packaging, it is important not only to seal the material effectively and securely, but also to protect the contents using suitable functional barriers. Barrier coatings give paper packaging protective properties that can open up applications that previously required plastic materials or multilayer composite structures. A properly selected formulation can provide resistance to grease, water and moisture while also enabling reliable heat sealing.
Henkel states that, in response to growing market demand, it has expanded and optimized its portfolio, offering coating solutions that provide effective barrier properties for primary and secondary packaging. These products can be integrated into standard coating and packaging processes. At the same time, they remain repulpable and compatible with recycling.
Dr Arianna Savini, market strategy manager paper packaging Europe at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, said: "With our expanded paper coatings portfolio, we enable paper-based packaging that meets current market requirements. 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 achieve their sustainability targets within the scope of the PPWR."
In response to growing market demand, Henkel has expanded and optimized its paper coatings portfolio, offering solutions that provide effective barrier performance for primary and secondary packaging
