b'offer comparable performance and printability to PE-laminated cups, allowFigure 2. converters to provide brand owners withPolyethylene-new cupstock solutions. They are alsofree barrier coatings offer compatible with most standard coatingcomparable equipment and processes.performance and printability to PE-laminated Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkylcups, giving substances (PFAS): These chemicals,brand owners often used as oil and grease barriers,more options have earned the term forever chemicalsin cupstock solutions.because they do not break down in the environment. Companies likeEnd-Use Applications equipment. This allows converters to Solenis have formulated water-based,Paper packaging is typically evaluatedimplement a recyclable barrier coating environmentally friendly barriers forwith tests that involve conditions, suchoptimised for their specific equipment applications such as burger boxes andas very high temperatures, that thefor less downtime and maintenance. French fry bags. Developed to maximiseend-use packaging might never beIn addition, formulation suppliers with renewable content, these alternativesexposed to in real-world applications.expertise in paper substrate chemistries provide similar oil, grease, vapourTherefore, accurately evaluating barrierand paper manufacturing, combined permeability and water resistance ascoatings requires an honest assessmentwith knowledge of the paper substrate PFAS coatings. Many of these PFAS-freeof end-use functionality needs. Formarketplace, can offer a comprehensive solutions can be easily adapted for useexample, PVDC might achieve aapproach to packaging development.with existing equipment. moisture vapour transmission rate of one gram per square meter per day,Converters working with global brands KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SELECTING A MOREwhile a repulpable barrier coating mighthave another consideration when ECO-FRIENDLY BARRIER SOLUTION transmit 15 grams per square meter perchoosing a formulation provider: While providing customers with moreday, a rate that may still be acceptableensuring a reliable supply chain. Its sustainable paper packaging solutions,for many applications. Converters andimportant to ensure the provider has it is important to consider several factorsbrand owners should work together earlythe geographic reach to service the from an operational perspective. in the process to identify barrier criteriabrand, particularly global ones. This that balance necessary sustainabilityconsideration goes beyond logistics; Compatibility with Existing Production Equipment with real-world, end-use functionality. brand owners must also ensure that Paper packaging converters investByeach provider in the supply chain significant capital into equipment, socollaboratingTechnical Expertise works together to evaluate and validate any discussion about incorporating newwith anConverters run different applications withpotential solutions before theyre put barrier coatings should address theexperiencedmany variables, processes and optionsinto production.production process itself. For example,formulationthat differ from job to job. Its essential many eco-friendly oil and grease coatingssolutionto partner with a formulation supplierThese environmentally improved currently available are resin-basedprovider,who can provide solutions customisedfood paper packaging formulations solutions that cannot be run on theconvertersfor factors like viscosity, types of solidscan provide the sustainability and same equipment as PFAS formulas.can be betteror drying capabilities. A knowledgeablematerial safety benefits brand owners Solenis has developed water-based,equipped topackaging formulation provider willincreasingly expect in food packaging. PFAS-free barriers that can be appliedhelp brandunderstand not just the chemistries, butBy collaborating with an experienced with conventional coating processes,ownersalso how those chemistries interact withformulation solution provider at the eliminating the cost and time associatedmeet theira given substrate. Its also importantbeginning of the process, converters with new equipment purchases orsustainabilityto work with a partner familiar withcan be better equipped to help brand machine modifications.goals.different types of paper packagingowners meet their sustainability goals. WORLD PULP&PAPER 85'