Metsä Board launches eco-barrier paperboard

Metsä Board has developed Pro FSB EB1, a new eco-barrier paperboard that is bio-based, recyclable and biodegradable.

Pro FSB EB1 is bio-based, recyclable and biodegradable

This new paperboard with a special barrier treatment is bio-based, recyclable and biodegradable, and developed especially for food service use. On top of the sustainability benefits of this new product, Metsä Board said it also offers efficiencies in printing and converting.

Metsä Board Pro FSB EB1 is a lightweight paperboard and is available in basis weights of 195-290 g/sqm with all layers hard-sized. It enables high-quality printing on both sides and is suitable for offset and flexo printing. It is glueable with standard dispersion and hotmelt adhesives. It is also safe for direct food contact and is free of optical brighteners. PEFC or FSC certification is available, and it is fully recyclable with conventional recycling systems.

Metsä Board Pro FSB EB1 has a bio-based and biodegradable special barrier treatment that is fluorochemicals-free. The new eco-barrier paperboard can be used with foods requiring grease resistance up to KIT level 5, and the barrier properties can be further improved by adding varnishing layers at the converting stage. This latter option offers a notable increase in efficiency as the barrier property improvement can be made by applying only one varnishing layer in comparison to paperboards without this special barrier treatment.

Finnish converter OffsetKolmio has been using the new special barrier treated paperboard for a baguette pack used by Huovisen Leipomo, a Finnish artisan bakery. Kimmo Jokinen, OffsetKolmio managing director, said: ‘We were able to reduce the print cost without compromising on the quality or barrier properties of the board. Print machine time for barrier treatment was reduced by 50 percent, and 65 percent less varnish was needed thanks to the special barrier treatment of Metsä Board Pro FSB EB1. In addition, this breathable board keeps its form and preserves the filled baguette well.’

Mika Joukio, Metsä Board CEO, stated: ‘Consumption of takeaway food keeps on increasing. This makes recyclability and biodegradability of food service boards even more important. We are very excited about this new eco-barrier paperboard as we see real sustainability and efficiency benefits for our customers. Metsä Board is continuing development work on further innovative barrier solutions.’