Here's a solution that should revolutionize the world of packaging. German ink and varnish manufacturer Hubergroup is launching a water barrier coating that replaces the lamination of polyethylene (PE) film. This coating, called Hydro-X GA, for coated and uncoated paper, is intended in particular for the packaging sector, both food and non-food. Paper packaging with this barrier coating can be recycled in the conventional recycling system.
Only one inking unit is required to apply this waterproof coating. In addition to the obvious environmental aspect, the manufacturer also points out that replacing plastic film with this coating results in a reduction in material costs as well as a reduction in processing time since the lamination step is eliminated.
The applications of this new barrier solution are vast. This protective coating is particularly suitable in the packaging industry for moisture-sensitive foodstuffs (sugar, dry feedstuffs, etc.), but it is also suitable for non-food applications, such as cement packaging or secondary packaging of photocopy paper.
In spring 2020, this solution was tested in a real production environment with a customer of the German group. This test included printing trials on different machines. " The results were so impressive that we immediately received an order from our customer, says Christian Schirrmacher, project manager for water-based inks at Hubergroup Print Solutions. He was particularly impressed by the elimination of one step in the production process."
And Hubergroup continues to develop new references in protective coatings. This year, the manufacturer could launch an oxygen barrier coating.
