pintura alimentaria

Application guides

by Fakolith Chemical Systems

Overprint barrier varnish certified for direct food contact on rigid or flexible food packaging made of: cardboard, MDF, PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

Description of the problem

Whether for use in rigid or flexible printed food packaging, Fakolith was the first company to develop a range of overprint and protective coatings duly certified for direct and indirect contact with food, both for single and repeated use packaging, in accordance with EU Regulation 10/2011 and also certified according FDA 21 CFR 175.300. We have referencies for recommended use in rigid or flexible printed food packaging made of: cardboard, MDF, PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate). They can be applied both inside the package (direct contact) and outside (indirect). It is a milestone to have achieved a range of varnishes for direct contact with food, with solutions for all food groups of the EU 10/2011, and compliance even at first migration.

This range of Fakolith FoodGrade coatings, with a satin-gloss finish, is water-based, 1-component, non-hazardous for use or transport, Bisphenol A-free, fast air-drying or forced drying, transfer and apply perfectly with anilox rollers between other methods, obtaining excellent adhesion on multiple surfaces. In addition, Fakolith FoodGrade coatings also act as a waterproofing and insulating barrier against water, grease, oxygen, etc.  The innovative versions of the official R&D&I project "Bio-Hybrid Food Contact" also contribute positively to the reduction of the carbon footprint by incorporating a large proportion of bio-based raw materials. All Fakolith FoodGrade coatings are treated with food contact antimicrobial technology BioFilmStop Green, which helps to inhibit the nesting of bacteria, biofilm and viruses that cause foodborne toxiinfections, thus increasing food and health safety.

Summary of the most common basic solution and procedure

· Option A - VARNIPACK FOODGRADE: It is an innovative water-based varnish and overprint Varnish, fast drying and thin layer, suitable for direct and indirect contact with food, which is presented as the most avant-garde option, both for the packaging industry of MDF, cardboard and similar, as well as in multiple other wood surfaces or derivatives. It has double certification EU 10/2011 and FDA 21 CFR 175.300, which broadens its field of use.

· Opción B - VARNIFLEX FOODGRADE (SOON AVAILABLE): It is an innovative water-based varnish and overprint varnish, fast drying and thin film, suitable for direct and indirect contact with food, which is presented as the most avant-garde option, especially for flexible printed packaging, especially PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate). It is partially bio-based and has double certification EU 10/2011 and FDA 21 CFR 175.300, which broadens its field of use.

Application process

1.- Option A - VARNIPACK FoodGrade

FEATURES: Varnipack FoodGrade is a colourless, thin-layer, air-drying or forced with temperature, 1-component aqueous dispersion varnish with barrier functions, certified and suitable for direct and indirect contact with food according to European Regulation EU 10/2011 and American Regulation FDA 21 CFR 175.300. Food contact varnish with glossy-satin finish, formulated with modified acrylic copolymers, free of: Bisphenol A (BPA free), APEO, formaldehyde, phthalates, heavy metals, etc.

VarniPack FoodGrade is air-drying and/or forced temperature drying. Ideal balance of physico-chemical performance in its category:

  • High resistance to moisture, water and grease.
  • Very good chemical and physical resistance
  • Balanced barrier functions in its category
  • Excellent transfer, wetting and leveling.
  • Excellent adhesion, resistance to dry and wet rubbing (SATRA), and compatibility with water-based and solvent-based printing inks.
  • Good resistance to tack-blocking, with good static and dynamic COF coefficients of friction.
  • Excellent gloss finish and transparency.
  • Recyclable and repulpable.
  • Low Voc, and low odor.
  • Non-hazardous goods for use and transport by road, sea or air.
  • Compatible with most containers, heat sealable, hot melt glues, recyclable, compostable and biodegradable containers
  • With Food Contact Compliance Declaration

FIELDS OF USE:  Mainly used in direct, indirect or occasional contact with food, in single or repeated use food packaging, especially for printed packaging made of MDF, paper and cardboard, even flexible, folding cartons, sandwich packs, labels, wooden packaging and other derivatives.

APPLICABLE: Compatible with most application methods in the packaging industry, flexo and gravure printing, anilox rollers, curtain coating, blown lip coating, industrial spraying and other systems compatible with aqueous dispersions, preferably with forced drying by hot air, infrared lamps or equivalent systems with temperature to accelerate drying.

PERFORMANCE: Depending on the substrate and objectives, we recommend between 12.5 ml. and 25 ml/m², applied in thin layers.

Product for professional use. For a correct application follow the instructions in the technical sheets, application guides and safety data sheets. In case of doubt, consult our technical service.

1.- Option B - VARNIFLEX FoodGrade BioHybrid

PROPERTIES: VarniFlex FoodGrade BioHybrid is an innovative colorless, self-crosslinking, 1-component aqueous dispersion, partially bio-based (45%±2%), acrylic overprint varnish for the contribution to the improvement of the carbon footprint, thanks to the certified reduction of up to 58% of CO2 emissions. indirect with food. Overprint varnish with gloss finish, formulated with modified acrylic copolymers, free of Bisphenol A, APEO, formaldehyde, phthalates, heavy metals, etc.

FIELDS OF USE: Mainly for external protection of PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) flexible packaging, with limited application to indirect food contact, and also for use in non-food packaging in general given its significant contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Important Note: Although VarniFlex FoodGrade BioHybrid has been successfully tested for direct food contact according to EU 10/2011, its partially bio-based innovation means that it contains a small amount of a bio-based monomer which is currently not listed in the positive lists, so we prefer to limit its use to indirect contact for regulatory reasons. (More info page 3 data sheet).

VarniFlex FoodGrade BioHybrid as a self-crosslinking coating, although it is also air-drying, obtains its best and suitable performance for food packaging with a short forced drying, up to 2 minutes at 80°C or equivalent (depending on thickness and substrate). Ideal balance of physicochemical performance in its category:

  • Excellent reduction of CO2 emissions.
  • High resistance to humidity, water and grease.
  • Very good physicochemical and heat resistance.
  • Balanced barrier functions in its category.
  • Excellent transfer, wetting and leveling.
  • Excellent adhesion, resistance to dry and wet rubbing (SATRA), and compatibility with water and solvent based printing inks.
  • Good resistance to tack-blocking, with good static and dynamic COF coefficients of friction.
  • Excellent gloss finish.
  • Recyclable and repulpable.
  • Low Voc and low odor.
  • Compatible with most containers, heat sealable, hot melt glues, recyclable, compostable and biodegradable containers.
  • Not dangerous goods, neither for its use, nor for its transport by road, sea or air.
    With Declaration of Food Conformity, limited to indirect contact (for the moment).


Bio-Based Technology: VarniFlex FoodGrade BioHybrid has a content of 45±2% of bio-based solid coating material. According to the life cycle analysis, it presents a reduction of 58% in CO2 emissions compared to a similar conventional non-bio-based product (such as Varnipack FoodGrade), providing a significant improvement in the carbon footprint in its category. External certification carried out by AIMPLAS within the framework of the official R&D&I project "BIO-HYBRID Food Contact Coatings" and according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 methodology.

APPLICATION METHODS: Compatible with most application methods for packaging, flexographic and hollow engraving, anilox rollers, curtain coating, coating with blowing lip, industrial spraying and other systems compatible with aqueous dispersions, with forced drying by hot air, infrared lamps or equivalent systems with heat, which provide adequate drying. Other sectors, with brush, roller, airless and air-mix equipment.

DRYING: forced with hot air, IR infrared lamps or equivalent systems that increase the temperature to at least 80ºC, 2 minutes.

PERFORMANCE - CONSUMPTION in PACKAGING: In packaging, depending on the state, type of base and subsequent use, it is recommended between 12.5 and 25 ml/m² applied in thin layers.

Product for professional use. For a correct application follow the indications of the technical data sheets, application guides and safety data sheets. In case of doubt consult our technical service.

Back to list

Images

Food packaging