DSM is releasing a portfolio of repulpable barrier coating resins, helping food manufacturers reduce the use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and “give food packaging a second life.” 

LDPE, a thermoplastic made from ethylene, is commonly used as an extrusion polymer to protect the food inside packaging and maintain essential functions like oil, grease and moisture resistance.

While LDPE is highly effective in doing this, it is also unsustainable as it is difficult to recycle through most mainstream recycling facilities. 

This means that the majority of food packaging containing LDPE ends up in landfills, wher it typically takes 500 – 1000 years to degrade, says DSM. 

In response, the Dutch multinational is producing barrier resins that can provide the same qualities of grease and water resistance and at the same time be repulpable and reworkable. once a paperboard packaging has been used, it can then be reformed into a new package for a second life cycle. 

Moreover, no additional equipment or processing is required in the repulping process, says DSM, saving money on both production and scrapping compared with traditional polyethylene (PE) laminates. 

“At DSM, we are committed to providing the print and packaging industry with a rapid and painless transition away from PE coatings to recyclable alternatives,” comments Jacqueline Revet, global marketing manager of DSM Resins & Functional Materials. 

“These resins represent a major step on this journey towards reducing the use of harmful LDPE.”

Recyclable resin portfolio
DSM’s new range includes three different types of resin, suited to different areas of food packaging. More options are currently being designed, says the company. 

NeoCryl A-2095 XP, a modified acrylic styrene copolymer dispersion for use in barrier coatings, overprint varnish and water-based liquid inks. Tests show “a good balance in water, fat and grease resistance with excellent printability, flexibility, transparency and a low residual odor.”

NeoCryl A-2092, also a modified acrylic styrene copolymer dispersion, delivers “outstanding results” when used in overprint varnish and water-based liquid inks. Water, fat and grease resistance with excellent printability and transparency. 

NeoCryl BT-62, a semi-colloidal acrylic styrene copolymer dispersion intended for use in grease-resistant and low Cobb (water-resistant) value inks and paper coatings.

Plant-based resins 
Last year, DSM launched a range of plant-based resins for the packaging industry. Starting with a resin branded Decovery SP-6400XP, the announcement was targeted at packaging producers striving to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Decovery SP-6400XP is a low-NoAH alkali-soluble acrylic copolymer dispersion with high clarity and flexibility. It is particularly suited to adhesive applications, such as removable paper labels for bottles and domestic adhesives.

Similarly, this year Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics launched a carbon savings range of adhesives for the food industry dubbed Affinity RE. Made from elastomers – special polymers with high elasticity – Affinity RE is one of the first bio-based, high-performance polyolefin elastomers on the market, Dow says.

Affinity RE offers an alternative to fossil fuel-based products and reduces carbon footprint while delivering the same well-known performance as the entire Affinity GA range.