Functional and smart coating for flexible packaging
The main purpose of packaging coating is to act as a protective layer on the inside of a package with an added bonus of aesthetic appeal on the outside. Nowadays we expect more from a coating. Novel developments include functionalities like antimicrobial protection, scratch resistance, cohesive strenght and even “smart” enhancing or extending package functions.
Smart packaging systems are used as non-traditional packaging with special functions generating enhanced product that result in safer, more nutritious or appealing food products, whilst being environmentally friendly. These coatings are also defined as functional coatings for flexible packaging.
Functional coatings for flexible packaging come in a range of resin technologies, including waterborne, UV cure, powder and solventborne.
Flexible packaging most common types of coating
Flexible packaging substrates include: paper, film, aluminum foils and metalized sheets. In flexible packaging, the most common types of coating are:
- Varnish: to impart a clear, glossy surface to the web
- Cold seal: used mainly for products where normal heat sealing cannot be used (chocolate bars, ice-creams, etc)
- PVdC coating: used to improve the barrier properties of transparent films, as well as the gloss of printed films
We can help you find the right coating specialist to manufacture a coating specifically for your flexible packaging.
The application of coating on flexible packaging
The above types of coating are usually applied with a printing press in line of the packaging process or with special coating machines that laminate the packaging off the production line. A coating line may be tailor made to your industry but the most common systems are based on rolling, applying, drying and rewounding.