EcoLamHighPlus
Recyclable mono-PE laminate with high oxygen and water vapor barrier properties
EcoLamHighPlus is one of the products in the monopolymer EcoLam Family based on PE. Ideal for replacement of non-recyclable multipolymer structures, also incorporating aluminium, where high water vapor and oxygen barriers are needed.
Types of oxygen-barrier packaging
Even if oxygen is one of the substances that is indispensable for life, at the same time, it is the highest contributor to spoilage of food. Due to its properties, oxygen creates a favorable environment for various microorganism to grow and multiply, and consequently, to accelerate the process of food degradation. A feasible solution can be flexible packaging, that due to its barrier properties doesn’t allow oxygen to reach the product, keeping the food products fresh and healthy.
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging are two popular options that constrain oxygen permeating to food products and help at prolonging shelf life.
Either replacing oxygen with another gas that doesn’t sustain microorganism life (MAP) or removing oxygen partially or entirely (vacuum). Flexible packaging materials need to have a high protective barrier – a high-quality seal, that doesn’t allow oxygen to get inside the package.
Additional resources about barrier technology
Other factors than oxygen, such as temperature and humidity, should be taken into account when deciding on the flexible packaging specifications. It is essential to predict the conditions in which the food products will be transported, stored and exposed, to calculate the optimal moisture barrier properties of a packaging film.
How to prevent food spoilage
Every year, around 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted globally, which is around one third of the total food quantity.
This happens when food products that are good for consumption are not consumed, because of spoilage, bad storage or buying behavior. Among factors such as consumer education, standardized date labels, product sourcing and optimized supply chain, food packaging plays a crucial role in the fight of reducing food waste. One of the main causes of food waste is low quality packaging materials, that allow oxygen and moisture to permeate to the product. Mention should be made, that reducing packaging might not always be a preferred solution, as packaging serves as a barrier for environmental factors, such as oxygen, moisture and heat. In the end, the environmental impact should be taken in consideration. An equilibrium between reducing packaging used and reducing food waste should be achieved.
Constantia Flexibles offers a wide range of high barrier packaging films, tailored according to your needs. In addition to that, a more sustainable high barrier packaging solution is available - EcoLamHighPlus - a recyclable mono-PE laminate with high barrier to oxygen and moisture. This barrier film solution is ideal for replacing multipolymer structures. It helps extending shelf life, while maintaining the quality of the food products.