Madawaska, ME (April 20, 2021) – As the market looks for fluorochemical-free papers, Twin Rivers Paper Company has aggressively invested in its PFAS-free (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances- free) grease-resistant food packaging brand, EcoBarrier. The company worked closely with the largest fast-food, quick-serve, and fast-casual restaurants to engineer a food-safe non-fluorinated product.
EcoBarrier Grade Advances Non-Fluorinated Grease Resistant Substrate Options
“By the end of 2023, most major North American chemical companies are voluntarily ceasing production fluorochemical-based grease-proofing agents,” explained Rachel Van Wychen, Director of Packaging. “As papermakers, we’ve dedicated tremendous resources to the expansion of our PFAS-free paper portfolio. We’re currently in the field working with key customers to qualify our EcoBarrier products and ensure they’ve secured their source of supply in advance of the transition.”
The expanded Twin Rivers FC-free line-up includes:
EcoBarrier Plus, a top-of-the-line paper engineered for heavy grease applications, is ideal for greasy food applications such as French fry bags, hamburger and taco wraps, hash brown pouches, and microwave food bags. Available in basis weights ranging from 18 – 45 lb. /29 – 73 gsm (24 x 36/500).
EcoBarrier Choice, a fit-for-use substrate designed with lighter grease-resistant properties, is known for exceptional stain holdout and outstanding printability. It delivers medium to light stain resistance for packaging, including cookie bags, sandwich wraps, and carryout bags. Available in basis weights ranging from 18 – 60 lb. /29 – 98 gsm (24 x 36/500).
EcoBarrier delivers Twin Rivers’ hallmark converting performance in the areas of gluing, folding, printing, and laminating. Recycled content and chain-of-custody fiber certification are available upon request. Additionally, all EcoBarrier products are 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and plastic-free, making it the optimal substrate choice for sustainable packaging.
Van Wychen added, “The EcoBarrier advancements reflect Twin Rivers’ commitment to accelerating the availability of PFAS-free papers and providing options for packaging converters and brand owners. Commercializing one of the first FC-free papers eight years ago gives us a distinct advantage and market leadership position. Our experience over the years has allowed our development team to perfect our formulation and converting performance.”
Both EcoBarrier papers are available with EZ Release™ for end uses needing exceptional release results. This proprietary formulation optimizes surface friction to produce nonstick functionality for baking, bacon layout, and other moist or fatty food applications.
“The goal of the EcoBarrier line extension is not only to meet but exceed our customers’ rigorous performance requirements for PFAS-free papers. Our hard work, barrier expertise, product category experience, and innovative papermaking paid off,” commented Danielle Thibodeau, Director of Technical Services. “Competitive testing has shown that not all FC-free papers are created equal. We’re proud to manufacture one of the best-performing products in the market.”
Twin Rivers offers a comprehensive line of highly-functional coated and uncoated packaging papers under the brands EcoBarrier®, Acadia®, and Bladepak®. The portfolio targets a range of applications that require oil and grease resistance, wet strength, FDA compliance, printability, microwaveability, strength properties, fiber certification, and recycled content.
