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Innovative barrier technologies for polyethylene packaging
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Background

Various barrier technologies have been historically used in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers to enhance their chemical resistance and create an effective barrier that prevents the migration of gases, liquids, and chemicals, including fluorination (in-mold, post-mold, plasma), co-extrusion, and barrier resins. 

 

As the regulatory framework and customer preferences around barrier technologies used in HDPE containers evolve, manufacturers of plastic packaging products are increasingly looking for innovative barrier technologies that provide similar protection against migration while maintaining or increasing recyclability and functionality. Innovations include biodegradable coatings and enhanced biopolymers that can be applied to HDPE containers to achieve comparable barrier performance. These solutions are particularly attractive to customers aiming to meet their sustainability goals without compromising on product protection.

What we're looking for

We are looking for alternative barrier technologies in plastic packaging that do not involve existing technologies. We are looking to eliminate or significantly reduce the permeation of chemicals (e.g. solvents, alcohols, etc.) through polyethylene.

Solutions of interest include:
  • Alternative materials in barrier technology
  • New barrier technology in general
  • Nanocomposite materials/technology
  • Cross-linking polyethylene
  • Coating technologies
  • Molecularly imprinted polymers
Our must-have requirements are:
  • Final product should eventually pass all qualification tests for packaging used to transport hazardous materials (as per United Nations standards referenced in 49 CFR 178.6).
  • Must be a novel barrier technology that is not currently in use.
  • Compatible with polyethylene.
What's out of scope:
  • Barrier technologies for other substrates such as metal, fiber, glass, etc.
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):
Levels 4-9
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Sponsored research
Co-development
Equity investment
Supply/purchase
Licensing
Material transfer
Benefits:
Sponsored Research
Up to $100k dependent on setting and meeting milestones leading to that level of funding. With success, more than $100k will be available.
Expertise
Access to industry experts in plastics manufacturing
Tools and Technologies
Provide any and all products needed for testing
Data
Provided on an as-needed basis
Facilities and Services
Visit worldwide manufacturing sites, test within worldwide manufacturing site footprint
Who we are

Greif places the utmost importance on protecting, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. More than 12,500 colleagues work in over 200 production, warehouse, and office locations in over 35 countries.

 Learn more
Reviewers
GW
Geoffrey Westphal
Director, Sustainable Innovation
Q&A with Greif

The Q&A is now closed.

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Q.
would this involve replacing EVOH or OTR performance?
1
A.
EVOH (Ethylene vinyl alcohol) is a known barrier material used in Co-Extrusion blow molding. We are not wanting other materials to replace EVOH within Co-Extrusion. Please clarify OTR performance?
GW
Geoffrey Westphal, Director, Sustainable Innovation, Greif
September 3, 2024
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Q.
Dear Greif Team, Would you ready to accept technologies like Metal-Organic Frameworks with a TRL of 2 for this project, which according to publications should bring benefits in this area? Kind regards Alain
1
A.
Hi Alain- sorry for the delay. I live in Asheville, NC and have been out of commission due to the storm as we focus on recovery efforts. Unfortunately, we are not interested in a TRL of 2 for this project. Thanks though!
GW
Geoffrey Westphal, Director, Sustainable Innovation, Greif
October 15, 2024
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