Archroma has launched Cartaseal VWAF, a new perfluorinated compound (PFC)-free and ammonia-free barrier coating for odor-free packaging applications. The company claims that the Cartaseal range offers barrier solutions that can be used to protect from grease, oils, water and water vapor in both packaging and food packaging applications such as pizza boxes, sandwich wedges, fresh vegetables, fast food service and general supermarket packaging.

The Cartaseal VWAF is designed to form a continuous and defect-free film-like coating on the paper surface. The resulting barrier offers class-leading performance against the penetration of oils, fats, water and vapor.

The odor-free product is also ideally suited to food packaging applications, where the taste and smell of the packed food can be very sensitive to the environment and must be carefully preserved for the full enjoyment of the consumer.

The company says that the Cartaseal VWAF can be used as a more sustainable alternative to replace not only PFC-based coatings but also plastic in applications where resistance to water, oil and fats, and water vapor condensation is required.

Developed with food packaging in mind, Cartaseal VWAF is compliant with FDA and BfR requirements for food contact applications. It is also compliant with, eco-labels such as EU Flower, Nordic Swan and several annexes of Blue Angel, and REACH registered.

Importantly, Cartaseal VWAF offers increased potential for compostability, repulpability, and recycling compared to PFC and plastics since the coating will break down with the paper during the recycling process.

“Consumers and regulators are increasingly attentive to how products are made, and rightfully so. It is our responsibility as an industry to develop and convert to technologies that reduce our impact on the environment and on people’s health. That is exactly what we at Archroma do, with innovations like Cartaseal VWAF. Because it’s our nature,” explains Andy Bell, head of the competence center chemicals at Archroma.