Siegwerk has launched CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE, a printable ink system that combines oxygen barrier performance and white ink opacity in a single layer for film-based packaging applications.
Announced from Siegburg, Germany, on 15 June 2026, the development is positioned within Siegwerk’s Barrier Inks category, where barrier functionality is integrated into the ink layer rather than added through a separate material structure. The company said the new ink provides oxygen transmission rate performance of less than 5 cc/m²/day at 50% relative humidity, while also delivering a bright white, opaque finish for print applications.
The technology is designed to replace separate oxygen barrier and white opacity layers in relevant packaging structures. Siegwerk said it can be applied inline through standard printing processes, including gravure and flexo, allowing converters to reduce layers, passes and materials without changing established production platforms.
CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE follows the earlier launch of CIRKIT GREASEBAR WHITE, which combined grease barrier and white ink functionality in one layer. The latest product extends the concept to oxygen barrier applications and is aimed at packaging segments that do not require additional water vapour transmission rate barriers.
According to Siegwerk, the ink may support simplified mono-material structures and design-for-recycling approaches by replacing conventional oxygen barrier materials such as EVOH, PVdC, aluminium foil and metallised films in suitable applications. The company also said the white pigmentation allows immediate visual control of coating coverage during production.
“With CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE, we are redefining what an ink can do,” said Gilles Le Moigne, Head of Circular Economy Coatings at Siegwerk. “By combining oxygen barrier and white ink performance in a single layer, we eliminate complexity and open new possibilities for circular packaging design.”
The launch reflects continued development of functional inks as converters seek to balance barrier performance, recyclability and production efficiency in flexible packaging.