PROBLEM
Metal-based and oil-based barriers for food packaging are difficult to recycle, contribute to global warming and are becoming very costly as oil and energy prices rise.
SOLUTION
A barrier coating based on agricultural by-products that prevents grease, oxygen and aroma from penetrating the packaging material and maintains food quality.
A SUSTAINABLE BARRIER FOR FOOD PACKAGING
Many foodstuffs need a protective barrier within the packaging to maintain quality during the product’s shelf life. Barriers prevent contact with oxygen that degrades the food, sustain aromatic compounds within the food, and stop grease from penetrating and leaving stains on the outside of the packaging. Conventional barriers comprise oil based plastics or metal based foils. These contribute to global warming, are often difficult to recycle, and are proving increasingly costly due to rises in raw material prices.
Xylophane is a renewable barrier against oxygen, grease and aroma. It is based on xylan, which is derived from agricultural by products such as wheat husks. Thus it can prolong the shelf life of food in a sustainable way. Xylophane is a suitable barrier in the packaging of articles like oxygen sensitive crisps and greasy pet food, and of aromatic products such as coffee.
