Cascades-Sonoco joint venture develops alternative to polystyrene packaging

MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): A joint venture between Cascades Inc. and Sonoco Products have developed new water-based barrier coating that it claims to be a substitute for polyethylene coatings in take-out containers. The new product, named the ‘FlexSHIELD paperboard barrier coating’ is the final result of over three years of extensive research and field tests.

FlexSHIELD is a new aqueous-based barrier coating designed for use in folding carton applications, where scoring and folding often create major challenges. FlexSHIELD is the first fully compostable product that provides polyethylene-like protection at an economical price point. Boxes treated with FlexSHIELD are FDA, CFIA and EUR compliant for direct food contact. It has been extensively tested on tan bending chip and has passed all recyclable and repulpable testing based on FBA Protocol Procedures.

Folded containers made from board with a FlexSHIELD coating are ideal for a wide range of applications: food service trays and takeout, bakery products or any non-food product where leakage of the contents could stain, damage, taint or otherwise affect goods stored in proximity to the container.

FlexSHIELD can be applied on various paper substrates, including liners, cardboard, chipboard, SBS, etc. There is no basis weight limitation. There is no significant difference in stiffness between FlexSHIELD and Polyethylene coated board. It has slightly different appearance than Polyethylene, but could be shaded or tinted. Furthermore, it is compostable and microwavable compliant with dry, aqueous, and fatty foods. Cascades-Sonoco claims that FlexSHIELD is the only product on the market that performs like polyethylene and is fully compostable, recyclable, and repulpable. FlexSHIELD won’t crack in scores and folds and offers a performance barrier, preventing leakage of liquid in to-go containers.  

According to Sandy McArthur, director of sales and marketing for Cascades Sonoco, FlexSHIELD will make paperboard take-out containers much more environmentally attractive. It presents a viable alternative solution, especially during a time when more number of cities is found going ahead with ban on expanded polystyrene containers. Incidentally, the demand for paper-based take-out containers has been on the rise during recent times. McArthur noted that a large number of natural and organic food supermarket chains in North America have already adopted the new product. The FlexSHIELD Barrier Coating will be made available to the entire market by the end of this month, McArthur added.

Established in 1992, Cascades-Sonoco is a freestanding joint venture between Cascades Inc. and Sonoco Products Ltd.

Cascades Inc. produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres. It is one of the major converters of corrugated packaging products, tissue papers and specialty products in North America and the largest collector of recyclable materials in Canada.

Sonoco is a global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective solutions and display and packaging services. Headquartered in Hartsville, S.C., it has nearly 330 operations spread across 34 nations. Sonoco develops and deliver innovative packaging solutions that enhance and optimize their business and brands.