Hubergroup launches Hydro-X GA water barrier coating

By using a revised formulation of the binding agents for the water-based coating, there is no longer any need for PE film lamination as a water barrier. Paper packaging with a barrier coating can be recycled in the already well-established paper recycling system. According to hubergroup, changing from conventional packaging to pure paper packaging with a barrier coating is a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly option. The Hydro-X GA Water Barrier Coating is now available worldwide.

Dr Christian Schirrmacher, global project manager water based inks from hubergroup Print Solutions, said about the product launch: ‘We are constantly working to further develop our portfolio. In particular, we focus on the benefits for our customers and the sustainability aspect. With the Hydro-X GA Water Barrier Coating, as a team, we have achieved another milestone. The aim is to enable our customers to produce more environmentally friendly packaging solutions.’

By using the Hydro-X GA Water Barrier Coating, it is possible to change from laminate structures to mono-material paper. For this step, only one more available inking unit is needed in order to apply the coating. According to the company, it has the following advantages: significantly improved recyclability, increased range of applications for pure paper packaging, lower material costs, and reduced processing times.

Hubergroup claims the coating provides a highly water-repellent surface, thereby increasing the shelf life of the product. The barrier coating is suitable for use in the packaging industry, specifically for packaging moisture-sensitive foodstuffs such as sugar, flour and dry animal food. This protective coating prevents unnecessary food waste. It is also suitable for applications in the non-food sector, for example, cement packaging and secondary packaging for copy paper. The Hydro-X GA Water Barrier Coating is suitable for both coated and uncoated paper.

Following successful results from laboratory tests, in spring 2020 hubergroup also began testing the coating in a real-world environment together with a customer. This involved print testing on different machines. Dr Schirrmacher explained: ‘The results were so impressive that we immediately received an order from our customer. They were particularly impressed by the elimination of a step in the production process.’