Rapids Paper + Packaging has widened the commercial availability of its ECOVA range of paper packaging products designed for heat-sealing and barrier applications.
The latest addition, ECOVA Barrier, brings together heat-seal functionality and barrier properties aimed at specific uses, allowing paper-based packaging to meet protection and processing requirements in a wider set of flexible packaging formats.
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The company said heat sealability is a key factor in enabling paper to function in flexible packaging, while barrier performance increases the types of products for which paper can be used.
ECOVA Barrier extends the existing ECOVA range with moisture resistance for products that need stronger protection against water vapour transmission.
Rapids said the material has a moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) of <0.7g/100in²/day (<10g/m²/day), making it suitable for selected food and consumer goods uses where paper may replace plastic.
The ECOVA structures use patented Paperlock technology and are designed to operate on existing flexible packaging machinery without major changes to current production set-ups.
According to Rapids, the products can be used on vertical and horizontal form-fill-seal lines as well as pouching equipment.
They are offered as rollstock or ready-made pouches.
Rapids Paper + Packaging marketing director John Wilson said: “We’re seeing significant interest from brands across a variety of market segments, all exploring a shift to paper-based packaging.
“Their sustainability goals, however, can’t come at the expense of product protection. This expansion of the ECOVA platform gives brands a practical path forward, combining heat sealability, compatibility with existing packaging equipment, and barrier performance in a commercially ready solution. Together, these capabilities enable brands to reduce plastic use by adopting paper-based packaging and advancing sustainability and EPR objectives.”
