Aquapak, the developer and commercializer of HydropolTM, an innovative polymer based on Polyvinylalcohol (PVOH), has released a whitepaper highlighting the successful extrusion coating of thermally-processible PVOH onto paper. The coating provides gas and oil/grease barrier properties and sealability while maintaining the 100% recyclability of the paper.
The whitepaper presents the results of extensive testing conducted at Aquapak Polymers, ITENE in Spain, Tampere University in Finland, and SAM in North America. It was launched at the TAPPI European PLACE Conference Program in Bratislava, Slovakia, an event organized by TAPPI, the leading association for the global packaging, paper, pulp, tissue, and converting industries. The whitepaper can be downloaded from Aquapak's website: [insert link].
These findings are particularly significant due to the increasing demand for paper-based packaging, driven by proposed taxes on single-use plastic products and the growing emphasis on circularity and recycling.
While paper-based packaging is highly recyclable, its recyclability can be hindered by the incorporation of other materials and polymers to enhance functionality. Optimizing packaging design to minimize the presence of insoluble plastics and maximize fiber recovery is crucial to ensure the continued value of paper-based products in the circular economy.
The whitepaper presents third-party tests that demonstrate the scalability of using Hydropol in extrusion coating on multiple machines. Aquapak successfully coated both paper and board, achieving excellent gas and grease barrier properties. Additionally, the coating imparted heat sealability and increased paper sheet strength. Aquapak also proved that Hydropol-coated paper is fully repulpable in standard pulping systems, enabling complete recyclability. Furthermore, if littered, Hydropol is biodegradable, compostable, non-toxic, and safe for marine environments.
Hydropol-coated paper is suitable for applications that require strength, grease resistance, and gas barrier properties. It can also be combined with other materials, such as co-extruding with other polymers to provide water resistance. The coated paper is ideal for manufacturing bags and pouches and can be used with standard form-fill-seal equipment.
Dave Meadows, Product Manager at Aquapak, expressed excitement about Hydropol's potential as an extrusion barrier, emphasizing its functionality and the fact that it ensures 100% recyclability of the paper. Hydropol presents an exciting alternative to conventional polymers that offer barrier properties but are not repulpable, making it an appealing option for packaging designers and producers.
