Solenis and Heidelberg Collaborate on Barrier Coatings for Paper Packaging

Solenis is working with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG to integrate barrier coatings for paper packaging directly into existing flexographic printing processes in a more cost-effective way.

Solenis is a specialty chemicals producer. Heidelberger is an innovative technology company with a leading position in the global printing industry.

Barrier coatings are used to repel hot and cold liquids, oils, greases and water vapor from paper packaging. With this innovation, packaging producers can combine print applications with Solenis' barrier coatings using Heidelberg flexographic printing presses. This expands the possibilities for sheet-fed and inline web-fed flexographic printing applications, improving product performance and production efficiency.

Solenis' specialty print-applied coatings include barrier coatings for paperboard materials, flexible packaging and paper cup production. It also includes non-slip technology 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. This makes the material easier to recycle.

For paper cup production, flash coating barrier protection can be applied to hot and cold cups on existing equipment. It eliminates the need for PE lamination, thereby increasing efficiency. For registered printing methods, Solenis’ patented heat-seal coating can be easily applied to conventional cup processing lines to reduce materials and lower costs.

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

“Packaging companies are under increasing pressure to achieve ambitious sustainability goals while optimizing processes. Our collaboration with Heidelberg pushes the boundaries of what is possible for packaging manufacturers,” said William Kuecker, senior director of strategic marketing at Solenis.

“Through this combination of cutting-edge printing technology and innovative, high-performance specialty coatings, packaging manufacturers can improve operational efficiency and product performance while meeting the growing demand for sustainable products and processes.”

“With our Boardmaster web-flexo technology, we are expanding our reach into high-volume flexible paper, targeting the food industry with solutions focused on efficiency and sustainability,” said Dr. David Schmedding, member of Heidelberg’s management board responsible for technology and sales. “Collaborating with Solenis allows us to jointly optimize application processes and technologies to better serve our customers.”

Solenis offers a broad portfolio of barrier coatings, including environmentally friendly PFAS-free technologies for oil and grease protection.