Melodea has unveiled its MelOx-NGen and VBseal water-based barrier coatings, aiming to unlock PPWR compliance for CPG brands and operational flexibility for packaging professionals with no capex required.
MelOx-NGen is designed as a high-barrier mono-material alternative to EVOH, AlOx, SiOx, and aluminum laminates. Suitable for both paper and flexible film substrates, the coating apparently delivers ‘leading’ oxygen and water vapour transmission rate performance, making it suitable for food packaging applications such as dairy, deli meats, bakery goods, and tortillas.
VBseal is a water-based grease, oil, and aroma barrier coating for paper and film packaging, said to enable fully recyclable mono-material paper packaging for food-contact applications such as wrapping papers, trays and pouches, without fluorochemicals (PFAS-free) or non-recyclable materials.
The company says that the recyclable flexible packaging solutions enable food, cosmetics, and CPG packaging converters to provide fully recyclable paper and film packaging that meets the EU PPWR requirements effective August 2026 without disrupting current production lines. The regulation requires that all packaging including flexible films, paper-based formats and packaging for dairy, meat, bakery, and personal care is recyclable.
Melodea says it seeks to provide CPG and FMCG brands with recyclable solutions as they transition from non-recyclable multilayer laminates containing EVOH, AlOx, SiOx, or aluminum while maintaining barrier performance, shelf life, and operational efficiency.
The company adds that both solutions ‘integrate seamlessly’ into existing production lines and require no capital expenditure, inventory changes, or new infrastructure. Converters can transition to recyclable packaging formats within 60–90 days.
Melodea is due to present its MelOx-NGen and VBseal coatings at interpack 2026, taking place 7th-13th May in Düsseldorf, Germany.
In related news, Henkel Adhesive Technologies recently added water-based barrier and heat seal coatings to its paper coatings portfolio, intending to improve the functionality of paper-based packaging and facilitate design-for-recycling. The coatings are said to be repulpable and recyclable, intended to help manufacturers and brand owners align with incoming sustainability legislation including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Last month UPM Specialty Materials and Royal Vaassen developed a high-barrier paper packaging solution for pet food treats and snacks, said to be PFAS-free and recyclable. Royal Vaassen’s fibre-based Barryrwrap concept is designed to meet the strictest requirements including aroma, grease, light, moisture and oxygen barriers.
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