BASF, a leader in the chemical industry, is expanding its ecovio® portfolio with a new certified home-compostable grade for extrusion coating on paper and board. The latest addition, ecovio® 70 PS14H6, has received food-contact approval and offers excellent barrier properties against liquids, fats, grease, and mineral oil. It demonstrates temperature stability at boiling water and exceptional adhesion to various types of paper and board.
Designed specifically for food packaging applications, such as cups, bowls, trays, and wrappings, ecovio® 70 PS14H6 provides a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic coatings. After use, the packaging can be composted in a garden home compost or industrial composting facilities, aligning with the growing trend of transitioning from pure plastic to paper-based packaging.
One of the key advantages of the new grade is its superior processability in mono or co-extrusion without the need for adhesives. Coating paper and board with ecovio® 70 PS14H6 can be done at speeds comparable to polyethylene (PE), offering excellent sealing and printing properties. The material’s performance matches that of PE while providing additional end-of-life options for paper packaging.
Michael Bernhard Schick, from BASF’s global marketing Biopolymers division, emphasizes the significant benefits of ecovio® 70 PS14H6, stating, “It allows coating of paper-based packaging for hot, frozen, or chilled food, which can withstand usage temperatures from -40°C to +100°C. This grade combines excellent technical performance with the decisive added benefit of home-compostability for paper packaging, supporting organics recycling of food waste.”
BASF’s ecovio® is certified compostable and contributes to a circular economy by closing the nutrient cycle through organics recycling. The biopolymer, a blend of BASF’s PBAT ecoflex® and renewable raw materials, has already found applications in various sectors, including organic waste bags, cling film, fruit and vegetable bags, and agricultural mulch films.
To learn more about BASF’s sustainable solutions, visit their booth (Hall 10, Booth 10B43) at Interpack 2023 in Germany. BASF continues to lead the way in developing innovative materials for a more sustainable future.