_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Packaging
Barrier technology plays a crucial role in modern packaging, protecting products from oxygen, moisture, light, and contaminants that can compromise quality and shelf life. From food preservation to pharmaceutical stability, advanced barrier materials are transforming how we package and protect goods. DS Smith’ s Susana Aucejo gives MT readers an overview of the current options. r
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1. What are your latest barrier coating solutions and what are their key benefits?
DS Smith barrier solutions protect packaging and / or product from water, grease and help to minimize abrasion, particularly if we are reducing or removing entirely plastic content such as laminated layers.
We use different technologies depending on the application, ranging from coating, printing, and lamination. These methods are employed selectively, depending on the level of protection required and how targeted it needs to be. We always look to strike a balance between barrier performance and cost-effectiveness.
Increasingly customers are looking for barrier solutions for food products, so all our developments are rigorously assessed for food safety compliance. Our barrier technologies also extend to other high-valueadded packaging solutions, such as those targeting oxygen and aroma barriers.
Importantly, we evaluate the recyclability of the barrier materials to ensure that solutions align with circular economy principles, and the packaging can be effectively recycled at the end of their life cycle.
2. Why is barrier coating innovation currently such an important focus for packaging suppliers?
There is no denying the packaging industry is facing a tremendous challenge to fulfil the sustainability agenda. Consumers also want less plastic packaging entering their homes, without compromising the functional capabilities in the products.
Legislative initiatives in Europe to tackle plastic waste and other issues such as recycling rates are starting to come into force from 2026, for example
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