Food packaging industry
The requirements for fibre-based food packaging continue to increase.
In addition to product safety also recyclability, material reduction and plastic substitution have become key priorities within the packaging industry.
With NP® SiOPack® provides a water-based, inorganic SiO₂ coating technology that creates a ultra-thin layers (5-100 nm) as functional barrier on paper, carton and moulded fibre packaging materials. The coating delivers reliable protection against moisture, grease, water vapour and microorganisms – without the use of polymer-based barrier systems.
The technology enables fully paper-based, food-safe packaging solutions that are industrially scalable, process-stable and compatible with existing production lines, supporting sustainable packaging strategies across the food sector.
NP® SiOPack® is based on a water-based sol-gel process in which an ultra-thin SiO₂ layer (5–100 nm) is applied to the paper surface. After drying, the coating forms a functional barrier layer that combines hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.
The coating is mechanically flexible, chemically stable, and does not alter the haptic feel or visual appearance of the base material.
Depending on the application, the coating remains invisible to the naked eye. An optically transparent version is exclusively available with Glassine by NP® SiOPack® .
The SiO₂ barrier coating can be applied across multiple food packaging segments, enabling the replacement of polymer-based barrier systems in standard applications:
NP® SiOPack® is compatible with both inline and offline processing.
The coating can be applied using slot-die, blade or roller coating systems and is compatible with standard industrial drying technologies.
In most cases, no modification of existing equipment or production lines is required.
NP® SiOPack® represents a practical and sustainable alternative to polymer-based barrier coatings in food packaging. By combining functional barrier performance, industrial process compatibility and environmental sustainability,
the technology delivers a measurable contribution to plastic reduction within the packaging industry.