Recyclable packaging solutions are increasingly in demand. However, due to a complex requirement profile, flexible food packaging often consists of combinations of different films and is, therefore, difficult to recycle.

“Conventional flexible food packaging often consists of several laminated film layers of different chemical natures. Each fulfills a specific function – one of which is the protection against oxygen,” explained Dr Ralf Büscher, Senior Expert Projects Flexible Packaging at hubergroup. “However, packaging that consists of several plastics cannot be recycled at all or only with great effort.”

Measurements show that the OTR for a film with hubergroup’s oxygen barrier coating is below 10 cubic centimeters of oxygen per square meter and day.

That is where hubergroup Print Solutions’ new HYDRO-LAC GA Oxygen Barrier Coating comes in. It protects the packaged food from oxygen and enables mono-material packaging. Consequently, it is easier to recycle and can be returned to the material cycle.

To do this, they use film laminates made of the same polymers (usually polypropylene or polyethylene), between which they apply the oxygen barrier coating. An OTR (oxygen transmission rate) of less than 10 cubic centimeters of oxygen per square meter and day can be achieved under industrial conditions, when using polypropylene.

Oxygen-sensitive foods such as muesli or nuts are thus excellently protected from atmospheric oxygen in modern, recyclable packaging.

Dr. Lutz Frischmann, Global Product Director Flexible Packaging at hubergroup, stated, "Through innovative solutions such as our new barrier coating, we can contribute to a circular economy together with our customers."

Recyclable packaging solutions are increasingly in demand. However, due to a complex requirement profile, flexible food packaging often consists of combinations of different films and is, therefore, difficult to recycle.

“Conventional flexible food packaging often consists of several laminated film layers of different chemical natures. Each fulfills a specific function – one of which is the protection against oxygen,” explained Dr Ralf Büscher, Senior Expert Projects Flexible Packaging at hubergroup. “However, packaging that consists of several plastics cannot be recycled at all or only with great effort.”

Measurements show that the OTR for a film with hubergroup’s oxygen barrier coating is below 10 cubic centimeters of oxygen per square meter and day.

That is where hubergroup Print Solutions’ new HYDRO-LAC GA Oxygen Barrier Coating comes in. It protects the packaged food from oxygen and enables mono-material packaging. Consequently, it is easier to recycle and can be returned to the material cycle.

To do this, they use film laminates made of the same polymers (usually polypropylene or polyethylene), between which they apply the oxygen barrier coating. An OTR (oxygen transmission rate) of less than 10 cubic centimeters of oxygen per square meter and day can be achieved under industrial conditions, when using polypropylene.

Oxygen-sensitive foods such as muesli or nuts are thus excellently protected from atmospheric oxygen in modern, recyclable packaging.

Dr. Lutz Frischmann, Global Product Director Flexible Packaging at hubergroup, stated, "Through innovative solutions such as our new barrier coating, we can contribute to a circular economy together with our customers."