BASF’s polyamide Ultramid®, can be applied to the inside of cartons to provide functional barrier properties. Moreover, it is suitable for usage in protective inner pouches. In addition, the biodegradable plastic ecovio® FS Paper can be used to create the functional barrier for cartons. The barrier made of ecovio FS Paper can either be applied directly to the cardboard or be added to a hybrid material along with paper or plastic, which is then used for liner bags and lamination. The product also shows improvement in cardboard stiffness and provides sealing properties

Similarly, food packed into paper and cardboard can be protected with newly developed water-based dispersions applied onto the board. “This innovative water-based functional barrier solution will give packaging producers more flexibility in creating their end s products, whether they want to print the barrier or coat the paper or cardboard,” explains Lauren Ritacco from BASF’s Paper Chemicals division in Europe. A series of tests, carried out by the Zurich Food Safety Authority, Fraunhofer IVV and Innoform, among others, have proven the effectiveness of the four functional barrier solutions.