Solenis and HEIDELBERG Collaborate to Develop Print-Applied, Eco-Friendly Barrier Coatings for Paper Packaging

Solenis, a leading producer of specialty chemicals, is collaborating with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG), an innovative technology company with a leading position in the global printing industry, to advance a more cost-effective way of integrating barrier coatings for paper packaging directly within the existing flexographic printing process.

Barrier coatings are used to repel hot and cold liquids, oils, greases and water vapour in paper packaging.

With this innovation, packaging producers can use the HEIDELBERG portfolio of flexographic machines to print-apply Solenis’ barrier coatings. This expands the possibilities for flat sheet paper and inline web-fed flexo applications with improved product performance and better production efficiency.

Solenis’ specialised print-applied coatings include barrier coatings for board material, flexible packaging and cupstock production, as well as anti-slip technical coatings for industrial, shipping and container applications.

For fresh food and e-commerce corrugated packaging, barrier coatings can be print-applied to avoid the use of traditional polyethylene (PE) lamination and paraffin wax, making the material easier to recycle.

For cupstock production, flood-coating barrier protection on cold and hot cups can take place on current equipment and eliminates the need for PE lamination to improve efficiency. For a registered print approach, Solenis’ patented heat-sealing coating can be applied easily on conventional cup converting lines to reduce materials and lower costs.

The collaboration addresses the growing demand for more sustainable paper packaging solutions that reduce the use of plastics through environmentally friendly alternatives with improved barrier functionality.

Packaging companies face increasing pressure to optimise processes while meeting ambitious sustainability goals. Our collaboration with HEIDELBERG pushes the boundary of what’s possible for packaging manufacturers. With this combination of cutting-edge printing technology and innovative, high-performance specialty coatings, packaging manufacturers can enhance operational efficiency and product performance while meeting the rising demand for sustainable products and processes.

William Kuecker, Senior Director of Strategic Marketing at Solenis

“With our Boardmaster web flexo technology, we are expanding our reach into the high-volume flexible paper segment, targeting the food industry with solutions focused on efficiency and sustainability,” said Dr. David Schmedding, Member of the Management Board responsible for Technology and Sales at HEIDELBERG. “This collaboration with Solenis allows us to optimise application processes and technology together to better serve our customers.”

Solenis offers a broad portfolio of barrier coatings, including environmentally friendly PFAS-free oil and grease resistance technology.

For more information about Solenis barrier coatings, visit www.solenis.com/en/products-and-services/pulp-paper/barrier-coatings/.

Visit www.heidelberg.com to learn more about HEIDELBERG and the Boardmaster.

About Solenis
Solenis, owned by Platinum Equity, is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including pulp and paper, institutional, industrial, food and beverage, and pool and spa water markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimise environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 70 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over 16,500 professionals in 130 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2024 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.

For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com or follow on social media.

About HEIDELBERG
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft (HEIDELBERG) is an innovative technology company with a leading position in the global printing industry. As a reliable and highly innovative partner, it has been synonymous with quality and future viability for more than 170 years. Thanks to state-of-the-art technologies and innovative business ideas, it shapes the future trends in the printing industry. HEIDELBERG also uses its technology expertise to successfully position itself in new business areas such as e-mobility. At the same time, it examines where it can tap new markets on the basis of technological synergies and production-specific features.

HEIDELBERG’s core business is oriented toward the needs of its customers in its target markets of packaging and label printing as well as special and commercial printing. The focus is on increasing the productivity of the entire value chain by digitising and automating the necessary process steps, particularly with solutions in the areas of robotics, artificial intelligence, and software-based workflow management.

HEIDELBERG is the leading provider of sheetfed offset machines, a technology used in the production of high-quality, high-volume printed products. In addition, the Company has also expanded its position in flexographic printing for the packaging market and in digital label printing in recent years.

www.heidelberg.com