Ahlstrom-Munksjö premiers cellulose fiber mono-material for oxygen and gas barriers

30 Sep 2021 --- Ahlstrom-Munksjö has released a compostable oxygen barrier mono-material called PureBarrier made of 100% cellulose fibers.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s PureBarrier technology is based on genuine vegetable parchment and boasts oxygen and gas barrier properties as well as natural wet strength. The home and industrially compostable material is naturally grease resistant, does not contain any loose fiber or added chemicals, and can be made heat sealable with a biopolymer. 

“Our ‘From Plastic to Purpose’ campaign continues to raise awareness on the possibilities of fiber-based solutions as a renewable option,” says Robyn Buss, executive vice president of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s food packaging and technical solutions division. 

“By educating the marketplace on the 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.”

PureBarrier is already commercialized in the form of coffee capsule lids and brewing materials for espresso systems but is also being evaluated in many non-food applications like health and beauty products.

OK to compost
Innova Market Insights notes a general rise in fiber-based packaging solutions as more stringent plastics regulations come into play, marking “Fiber-based Frenzy” a top trend for 2021.

Oxygen barrier properties present a “significant technological challenge” for fibrous material as it is a porous structure by nature, says Dr. Noël Cartier, vice president of R&D for advanced solutions and parchment businesses at Ahlstrom-Munksjö. 

“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.”

“Harnessing Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s expertise in natural fibers parchmentization, we created a new generation of materials that rises to the challenges of the flexible packaging industry,” adds Brian Oost, vice president of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s parchment business. 

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.

Edited by Anni Schleicher