Paper and cardboard are ideal packaging materials through the renewable origin of cellulose fibres, their high specific rigidity and light weight. To increase the quality and shelf life of packaged foods, the performance of paper needs to be adjusted through barrier coatings offering protection against water, gas permeability or aroma preservation. What about the suitability for recycling of these coated materials? Can they be reused in paper production? The Repac2 project aims to evaluate functionality and recyclability of paper for food packaging.

Stricter regulations are limiting the use of classic biocides and lowering their permitted concentrations. As a result, the paint industry faces major challenges in ensuring the durability and storage life of water-based paint systems. At Techniline we offer an overview of possible technological alternatives for preserving paints. Bio-based antimicrobials are certainly suitable for this purpose.

Moisture build-up and condensation can cause damage on a variety of surfaces. Moisture and condensation testing can prevent damage from mould, defects or discoloration of parts. What tests are there and what do they entail? We highlight them here for you.

In recent years, efficient alternatives for hard chrome applications have been sought. An urgent need, as the deposition process for hard chrome uses chromium trioxide, which is toxic and carcinogenic, and therefore subject to heavy regulation. It will be banned in the short term for various applications. Although there are alternatives, they do not necessarily meet the desired specifications or may require major modifications to the production facilities. An ongoing research project explores three ways for developing alternative coating technologies and materials.