Mitsubishi Chemical Develops PFAS-Free SoarnoL Coating for Paper Packaging

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has announced the development of a new technology that coats paper substrates with its SoarnoL resin solution—commonly used in food packaging—to provide enhanced gas barrier properties and oil resistance.

SoarnoL, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) developed with MCC’s proprietary technology, delivers exceptional barrier performance, oil resistance, and transparency. It is widely used in films and sheets for food packaging to help preserve freshness and flavor, reducing food waste. The newly developed process enables the creation of a stable barrier layer by simultaneously applying the Soarnol solution and an anchor coating agent, effectively transferring SoarnoL's superior gas barrier and oil-resistant properties to paper-based materials.

Although PFAS are traditionally used to improve the oil resistance of paper packaging, Mitsubishi Chemical’s new technology delivers superior oil resistance, even under high temperatures and repeated folding. SoarnoL complies with stringent food contact hygiene standards, making it ideal for packaging fried foods, hamburgers, and other greasy products. As global PFAS regulations continue to tighten, the demand for PFAS-free, oil-resistant paper is projected to rise. MCC plans to conduct customer evaluations and aims to commercialize the technology in fiscal year 2026.

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) plans to showcase this new technology at the New Functional Materials EXPO 2026, taking place at Tokyo Big Sight from January 28–30, 2026. In line with its “KAITEKI Vision 35” management strategy, which prioritizes food quality preservation, MCC aims to promote environmentally conscious materials that enhance food safety and sustainability. The innovation also supports the transition away from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—a group of fluorinated organic compounds valued for their water, oil, heat, and chemical resistance but restricted globally due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and environmental impact.

Source: Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation