Solenis Partners with HEIDELBERG to Innovate Barrier Coatings for Paper Packaging

Solenis has teamed up with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) to develop a more efficient and cost-effective method for incorporating barrier coatings into paper packaging during the existing flexographic printing process.

Solenis specializes in the production of specialty chemicals, while HEIDELBERG is a cutting-edge technology company, recognized as a global leader in the printing industry.

Barrier coatings serve to protect paper packaging from hot and cold liquids, oils, greases, and water vapor. Through this innovation, packaging manufacturers can leverage HEIDELBERG's flexographic printing machines to apply Solenis’ barrier coatings directly. This advancement enhances the capabilities of flat sheet paper and inline web-fed flexo applications, offering superior product performance and increased production efficiency.

Solenis offers specialized print-applied coatings, including barrier coatings for board materials, flexible packaging, and cupstock production, as well as anti-slip technical coatings designed for industrial, shipping, and container applications.

In the realm of fresh food and e-commerce corrugated packaging, these barrier coatings can replace traditional polyethylene (PE) lamination and paraffin wax, making the packaging easier to recycle.

For cupstock production, flood-coating barrier protection on both hot and cold cups can be applied using existing equipment, eliminating the need for PE lamination and enhancing production efficiency. Additionally, Solenis’ patented heat-sealing coating can be easily integrated into conventional cup converting lines for registered print applications, helping reduce material usage and cut costs.

This partnership aims to meet the increasing demand for sustainable paper packaging solutions by offering eco-friendly alternatives that minimize plastic usage while enhancing barrier performance.

“Packaging companies face increasing pressure to optimize processes while meeting ambitious sustainability goals. Our collaboration with HEIDELBERG pushes the boundary of what’s possible for packaging manufacturers,” said William Kuecker, senior director of Strategic Marketing at Solenis.

“With this combination of cutting-edge printing technology and innovative, high-performance specialty coatings, packaging manufacturers can enhance operational efficiency and product performance while meeting the rising demand for sustainable products and processes.”

“With our Boardmaster web flexo technology, we are expanding our reach into the high-volume flexible paper segment, targeting the food industry with solutions focused on efficiency and sustainability,” said Dr. David Schmedding, member of the Management Board responsible for Technology and Sales at HEIDELBERG. “This collaboration with Solenis allows us to optimize application processes and technology together to better serve our customers.”

Source: Solenis