Novel Waterborne Dispersion for Paper Based Flexible Packaging Coating—Mechanical Dispersion Process and Improved Properties

Flexible packaging is expected to witness continuous growth in coming years. The current flexible packaging market is dominated by plastic materials. However, consumer demand for sustainable packaging is fueling interest and growth in alternative packaging materials. Paper is increasing in popularity as a repulpable and recyclable packaging material. However, its porous nature and the lack of heat-sealability bring challenges in delivering performance equivalent to incumbent technologies. In this talk, we will discuss efforts to drive this industry with sustainable waterborne paper coating technologies. Dow’s BLUEWAVE™ Technology enables solvent-free waterborne dispersions with low viscosity at high solids content which can be applied to surfaces and thermally cured to form films. Flexible paper packaging treated with such dispersions could lead to single or combined property improvements to meet the demands of various paper packaging customers, including but not limited to: barrier properties (liquid water, moisture vapor or oil), adhesion properties (heat seal and hot tack), as well as surface properties (coefficient of friction reduction).