{"id":13141,"date":"2026-05-11T12:16:51","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T10:16:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nanopool.eu\/siopack-improves-process-stability-and-water-barrier-performance-of-dry-fibre-packaging\/"},"modified":"2026-05-11T14:05:20","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T12:05:20","slug":"dry-fiber-packaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nanopool.eu\/en\/dry-fiber-packaging\/","title":{"rendered":"SiOPack\u00ae<\/sup> Improves Process Stability and Water Barrier Performance of Dry-Fibre Packaging"},"content":{"rendered":"

New barrier technology stabilises dry-fibre geometries under humid processing conditions and improves downstream processing in industrial filling lines.<\/strong><\/p>\n

By Dieter Schwindt, certified expert for nanotechnology and surface applications<\/p>\n

Dry-fibre packaging is regarded as a promising approach for reducing plastic-based packaging solutions. In industrial practice, however, one key problem becomes apparent: under humid processing conditions, the materials quickly lose mechanical stability. This can lead to deformation, disruptions in machine guidance and, in the worst-case scenario, downtime in filling lines.<\/p>\n

This is particularly critical in applications involving high humidity or direct contact with liquids, as commonly found in the food and beverage industry. Existing hydrophobisation solutions often reach their limits here, as they either impair the forming process or are not optimally scalable from an economic and process-related perspective.<\/p>\n

Challenges of Dry Fibre in Humid Processing Environments<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dry-fibre packaging reacts sensitively to increased humidity and direct contact with water. Even under moderate climatic conditions, a significant reduction in mechanical stability may occur.<\/p>\n

In industrial filling lines \u2013 particularly in areas exposed to moisture or direct contact with liquids \u2013 this problem becomes even more pronounced. Components may swell or lose their shape, impairing machine guidance. The consequences include disruptions in the filling line, increased reject rates and potential downtime.<\/p>\n

In practice, such effects often result in additional cleaning cycles and the need to restart the production line \u2013 a clear economic disadvantage.<\/p>\n

Limitations of Existing Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Conventional hydrophobisation methods such as AKD can only be used to a limited extent with dry fibre. A key principle in dry-fibre processing is to leave the fibres unaffected during forming, allowing processes such as stretching and drawing to proceed fully and without restriction.<\/p>\n

The functional barrier is therefore deliberately applied only after the forming process. In many cases, this means that an additional external coating is required.<\/p>\n

Alternative approaches \u2013 such as the use of MFC for hydrophobisation \u2013 are known, but are often associated with increased costs and reduced process speeds. An industrially scalable solution combining stable barrier performance with good processability therefore remains a challenge.<\/p>\n

SiOPack\u00ae<\/sup> as a Solution Approach<\/strong><\/p>\n

With SiOPack\u00ae<\/sup> technology, a coating system is available that enables a stable water barrier on fibre-based materials without affecting the forming process. The aim is to reduce moisture absorption while simultaneously improving the mechanical stability of the components during downstream processing.<\/p>\n

Results to date show that the use of suitable barriers can achieve significant improvements:<\/p>\n