EVOH, the acronym for ethylene vinyl alcohol, is a plastic material used in various sectors, including the food and industrial sectors. It is a copolymer, meaning that it is formed by combining two different polymers: ethylene and vinyl alcohol.
With the development of the food industry and the introduction of increasingly advanced technologies, packaging must adapt to demand and to sustainability expectations. In this article, let’s take a closer look at what EVOH is, how and where it is used and how it contributes to sustainability.
EVOH: structure, properties and applications in packaging
The molecular structure of EVOH is made up of hydroxyl groups (OH), which form hydrogen bridges upon contact with water. These hydrogen bridges make EVOH a very resistant material.
Its brightness and transparency make it particularly suitable for food packaging (also drugs and cosmetics). Thanks to its composition, it can protect the properties, flavors and aromas of food.
The thickness of EVOH gives it an even more effective barrier and its antistatic properties prevent dust from sticking to the packaging when it is used as a surface layer.
The advantages of EVOH in food packaging: barrier and sustainability
EVOH offers several advantages in food packaging, including the following:
- Better food preservation: the high barrier against oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen helps to keep food fresh for longer;
- Less food waste: the longer shelf life of foods helps to reduce food waste, which is a huge environmental and social problem;
- Food safety: it helps to protect food from bacterial and fungal contamination.
Additionally, EVOH is a sustainable material because it can be recycled and reused.
EVOH in industrial packaging: innovation and the impact on product preservation
Innovation in the industrial packaging sector is essential to ensure the optimal preservation of products. EVOH plays a key role in this context, offering advanced solutions for the protection and preservation of industrial products. EVOH is used to package:
- Drugs;
- Chemical products;
- Electronics products;
- Food products.
EVOH is becoming more widely used in packaging thanks to the advantages it offers in terms of barrier effect, safety and sustainability.
Volmar Packaging has been dealing with packaging for food products for over 20 years, with the aim of preserving the quality of packaged products. Our experience makes us your ideal partner to provide the best packaging for your business needs.