The packaging industry heavily relies on plastic materials, particularly polyethylene extruded paperboard, to protect and preserve food products. While plastic-lined packaging offers performance, convenience, and functionality, it poses a significant challenge for companies seeking recyclable and repulpable options. As sustainability becomes a pressing concern, Impermea Materials emerges as a game-changer, offering innovative coating solutions that outperform traditional polyethylene-coated paperboard. These solutions are plastic-free, environmentally friendly, and do not sacrifice performance. Polyethylene (PE) board has long been favored in the food packaging industry due to its moisture resistance and barrier properties, which help preserve goods and prevent spoilage. However, the environmental drawbacks of PE coatings are significant. Extruding polyethylene onto paperboard involves extracting and processing fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental degradation.
The Impermea Advantage
Impermea Materials has revolutionized the packaging industry by introducing cutting-edge coating solutions that surpass the performance of traditional polyethylene coatings while offering a sustainable alternative. With expertise in advanced materials and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes, Impermea has developed plastic-free, 100% PFAS, and fluorine-free, recyclable, and repulpable solutions. These coatings not only meet but exceed the performance of their plastic counterparts. Let's explore some of Impermea’s remarkable coating solutions and their benefits.
Innovative Coating Solutions
Impermea Materials’ offerings include several US FDA-compliant coatings:
- HYDRO-PAK 4000: A water-resistant, heat-sealable barrier ideal for single-use products.
- HYDRO-PAK+MVTR 4040: A superior moisture vapor transmission barrier that can also exhibit oxygen transmission barrier properties.
- OLEO-PAK 4100: An oil and grease-resistant coating that prevents water, oil, and grease penetration for over seven days.
- REL-PAK 4700: Ensures excellent release properties for food and bakery applications.
- BIO-PAK + MVTR 4140: A 100% bio-based, oleophobic paper and paperboard packaging coating with enhanced Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR).
- BIO-PAK + OTR 4060: A 100% bio-based, hydrophobic coating for paper and paperboard packaging with enhanced Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR), gluable with cold set and hot melt adhesives, and printable with water-based inks.
One of the key advantages of Impermea’s coatings is their repulpability, recyclability, and compostability, which help brands and manufacturers reduce waste and promote sustainable manufacturing. Impermea’s in-house R&D team developed a patent-pending platform technology that allows for quick customization of coatings to meet specific industry and company needs.
Embracing the Circular Economy
The demand for plastic-free packaging solutions is growing rapidly, driven by consumer awareness and regulatory pressure. Impermea recognizes this need and has positioned itself as a leader in the industry. Their innovative coating solutions outperform polyethylene-coated paperboard and offer recyclable and repulpable options without compromising performance. By embracing Impermea’s coatings, companies can align their packaging practices with their customers' values and positively impact the planet. A circular economy emphasizes reimagining the entire lifecycle of products, from design and production to disposal and beyond. It aims to create a regenerative system where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized, and products are designed for longevity, repairability, and recyclability. At the core of the circular economy is an environmentally responsible shift that presents economic advantages. By minimizing waste and optimizing resource use, businesses can reduce their environmental footprint, cut costs, and enhance their resilience to supply chain disruptions.
Reducing Plastic Dependence
In many circular economies, eliminating plastic dependence is a major focus. Even in areas like paper packaging, PFAS and plastics are still used in coatings. Plastics have traditionally been favored due to their cost-effectiveness and performance. However, companies like Impermea Materials are breaking the mold by offering sustainable alternatives that challenge conventional notions of what sustainable solutions can achieve. These sustainable coatings help combat plastic pollution and reduce the demand for new plastic production.
Resource Consumption Efficiency
In a world with finite resources, finding alternate solutions to limit waste is imperative for future growth. Impermea’s solutions require 75% less coating material than industry leaders while achieving outstanding performance results. This translates into a substantial reduction in raw material usage during manufacturing, significantly lessening the environmental impact of production.
The Impermea Difference
Impermea's pioneering coatings, including HYDRO-PAK 4000, HYDRO-PAK+MVTR 4040, OLEO-PAK 4100, and BIO-PAK variations, are revolutionizing the longevity and sustainability of paper and paperboard products. HYDRO-PAK 4000 provides a plastic-free alternative that maintains flexibility and foldability, ensuring extended usability and reducing waste. HYDRO-PAK+MVTR 4040 enhances moisture control, keeping perishable goods fresh longer and reducing food waste. OLEO-PAK 4100 offers superior oil and grease resistance, protecting packaging integrity and preventing damage and leakage. BIO-PAK coatings introduce bio-based materials with specific properties, further advancing sustainability efforts. By adhering to circular economy principles, Impermea Materials enables the repulping, recycling, and composting of coated products, significantly reducing waste destined for landfills or incineration. These coatings perform their primary functions effectively and offer a second life, fostering a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, Impermea Materials is leading the charge toward a greener, more sustainable future in the packaging industry. Their innovative, eco-friendly coating solutions outperform traditional plastic coatings and align with the growing consumer and regulatory demand for sustainable alternatives. By adopting Impermea’s advanced materials, companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a circular economy, ensuring long-term sustainability and success.
Impermea Materials, is an advanced materials company based in Massachusetts that synthesizes and manufactures the highest-performing barrier solutions, which are PFAS-free and plastic-free. Our paper & paperboard packaging product line allows customers to unlock repulpable, recyclable, compostable, and PFAS-free product innovation. We offer customizable oil & grease resistant (OGR), moisture/water vapor transmission barrier (MVTR), fan-apart adhesives, and release coatings enabling customers to win new business and gain additional market share. Our products replace existing coatings that do not allow materials like paper to replace plastic due to a lack of performance. Traditional solutions in the market are facing regulatory action due to PFAS, Plastic, or other less sustainable materials. Our solutions provide an offering that genuinely outperforms legacy technologies without sacrificing the sustainability you need.
