Henkel Adhesive Technologies has expanded its portfolio of barrier and heat seal coatings for paper-based packaging, targeting applications across food and non-food sectors. The development responds to increasing demand for recyclable packaging solutions and regulatory requirements such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The company’s water-based coatings are designed to enhance the functionality of paper packaging while supporting design-for-recycling approaches. The expanded portfolio includes heat seal coatings that enable paper to be used in applications traditionally dominated by plastics, such as bags, sachets, and shipping packaging for small consumer goods, as well as dry food and hygiene products.
According to Henkel, the coatings provide reliable heat sealing on suitable paper substrates, supporting performance at low temperatures and high production speeds. The solutions are repulpable, compatible with recycling processes, and approved for food contact under both FDA and EU regulations. A UV tracer option is also available to support application monitoring and quality control during production.
In addition to sealing capabilities, the portfolio includes barrier coatings designed to protect packaged contents. These coatings provide resistance to grease, water, and moisture, enabling paper-based materials to replace plastic or multi-layer structures in certain applications. The products are intended for both primary and secondary packaging and can be integrated into standard coating and converting processes.
“With our expanded paper coatings portfolio, we enable paper-based packaging that is ready for current market demands. By providing the necessary barrier and sealing properties for numerous applications in the food and non-food sectors, we are not only supporting the shift towards recyclable packaging solutions but also helping customers to achieve their sustainability targets within the scope of the PPWR,” said Dr. Arianna Savini, Market Strategy Manager Paper Packaging Europe at Henkel Adhesive Technologies.