Ahlstrom-Munksjö recently released a mono-material oxygen barrier technology made of 100% cellulose fibers — PureBarrier™. The technology is based on Genuine Vegetable Parchment and boasts numerous attributes including oxygen and gas barrier properties as well as natural wet strength. It is naturally grease resistant, does not contain any loose fiber or added chemicals, and can be made heat sealable with a biopolymer which makes it suitable for a limitless number of applications.
"Our 'from Plastic to Purpose' campaign continues to raise awareness on the possibilities of fiber-based solutions as a renewable option," said Robyn Buss, Executive Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö's Food Packaging & Technical Solutions. "By educating the marketplace on paper-based packaging options available we are encouraging global industry stakeholders to consider fiber and paper-based alternatives where plastic and non-renewable materials are used today."
Dr. Noël Cartier, VP R&D for Advanced Solutions and Parchment businesses, explained, "Oxygen barrier properties present a significant technological challenge for Fibrous material as it is a porous structure by nature. Our parchment R&D team pushed the limits of fiber-based materials through several years of research to develop and patent this unique oxygen barrier mono-material."
PureBarrier is produced from responsibly sourced and renewable wood pulp, certified according to Forest Stewardship Council standards and is biodegradable and certified compostable with OK COMPOST/ OK COMPOST HOME from TÜV.
Already commercialized as coffee capsule lids and brewing materials for espresso systems, PureBarrier is currently being evaluated in many other nonfood applications like Health & Beauty products.
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