Republished by Newlife - Flexstone. All rights belong to the original publisher; see Source below.
Barrier Paper Packaging Expands Its Reach Rapids Paper + Packaging expands commercial availability of heat-sealable Ecova Barrier for applications requiring protection from moisture, oxygen, or grease.
The paper chase is in full gear as companies develop barrier technologies that expand paper packaging applications. Specialty papermaker and flexible packaging company Rapids Paper + Packaging is giving brands new opportunities to reduce plastic use across a broader range of flexible packaging formats. The company has expanded the commercial availability of its Ecova platform of heat-sealable, functional-barrier paper packaging solutions.
Ecova targets barrier-sensitive applications Ecova Barrier is designed for products sensitive to moisture, oxygen, or grease, according to John Wilson, director of marketing at Rapids Paper + Packaging. “This can include dry foods such as cereals, rice, grains, and pasta; dry mixes and powdered food products; frozen fruits, vegetables, and other freezer applications; snack applications, including chocolate, chips, crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, and more. Pet treats, food, and supplements may also benefit from Ecova Barrier.”
Heat sealability expands applications Heat sealability makes paper suitable for flexible packaging, while functional barrier properties broaden its potential applications. Ecova Barrier builds on the existing Ecova platform with moisture-barrier performance designed to protect products requiring greater resistance to moisture vapor transmission. "The coating chemistry varies depending on the barrier properties required and the product being packaged," Wilson says. With a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of less than 0.7 g/100 in²/day (less than 10 g/m²/day), the commercially available structure gives brands additional opportunities to replace plastic in select food and consumer goods applications.
Based on patented Paperlock technology Leveraging patented Paperlock technology, all Ecova packaging is heat-sealable and engineered to run on existing flexible packaging equipment without major changes to packaging operations. The solutions are compatible with vertical and horizontal form-fill-seal equipment, as well as pouching equipment. Available as rollstock or premade pouches, Ecova packaging can help brands transition to paper-based formats with minimal operational disruption.
Recyclability validation underway Is Ecova Barrier curbside recyclable? “Rapids Paper + Packaging is pursuing both Part 1 repulpability and Part 2 recyclability validation for Ecova Barrier through Western Michigan University’s testing protocol,” Wilson explains. “That work is not yet complete, so we cannot currently confirm that Ecova Barrier is curbside recyclable as paper. The team’s goal is to design for maximum compatibility with existing recycling systems. We’ll share the results and appropriate claim language once testing is complete.”
Strong interest from brands Meanwhile, brands are expressing considerable interest in paper-based packaging. “We’re seeing significant interest from brands across a variety of market segments, all exploring a shift to paper-based packaging,” says Wilson. “Their sustainability goals, however, can’t come at the expense of product protection. This expansion of the Ecova platform gives brands a practical path forward, combining heat sealability, compatibility with existing packaging equipment, and barrier performance in a commercially ready solution. Together, these capabilities enable brands to reduce plastic use by adopting paper-based packaging and advancing sustainability and EPR objectives.”
Trial quantities available Rapids Paper + Packaging offers very small quantities of Ecova Barrier to help customers evaluate the material. “For an initial trial, we size the order around what the customer needs to test the material, rather than require a standard commercial production volume,” Wilson points out. “The exact quantity depends on the grade and format, and we can scale supply as the project develops.”
You can learn more about Ecova paper packaging platform here or connect with the Rapids Paper + Packaging team during Pack Expo International, October 18 to 21, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Source
- Plastics Today (2026-10-15) - Original article: Barrier Paper Packaging Expands Its Reach - https://www.plasticstoday.com/packaging/barrier-paper-packaging-expands-its-reach
