Paper-based packaging is playing a vital role in the food and e-commerce sectors. Manufacturer and brand owners are switching to sustainable and, above all, recyclable solutions, driven by regulatory requirements such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
While maintaining product integrity, process stability, and efficiency, Henkel Adhesive Technologies is enhancing its paper coatings portfolio with water-based barrier and heat seal coatings. The solutions are designed to improve the functionality of paper-based packaging and strengthen ‘design for recycling’ approaches.
According to Towards Packaging, the Europe Paper-Based Barrier Market is projected to experience significant growth, with estimates suggesting the market size will increase from USD 6.22 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 11.34 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2026 to 2035. Growth is driven by the rising consumer awareness, and there is a growing awareness about plastic pollution, leading consumers to prefer eco-friendly materials. With technological advancements, Innovations in coating technologies, such as bio-based polymers and nanotechnology, are enhancing the performance characteristics of barrier papers.
Henkel has expanded and optimised the use of the paper packaging, which offers a coating solution that delivers reliable barrier performance for primary and secondary packaging. These products can easily be integrated into standard coating and packaging processes and are repulpable and compatible with recycling. Barrier coatings provided essential protective properties with the previous demand for plastic-based or multi-layer composite materials.
The main focus is not only on efficiently and securely sealing the material but also protecting the contents through functional barriers.
Market Strategy Manager Paper Packaging Europe at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, Dr. Arianna Savini, stated, "With our expanded paper coatings portfolio, we enable paper-based packaging that is ready for current market demands. By providing the necessary barrier and sealing properties for numerous applications in the food and non-food sectors, we are not only supporting the shift towards recyclable packaging solutions but also helping customers to achieve their sustainability targets within the scope of the PPWR."
A recent report by Towards Packaging highlights that the Europe Paper-Based Barrier Market is witnessing growth fueled by EU single-use plastics directives and the PPWR, which mandates packaging to meet fiber recyclability thresholds, and with technological advancements in coating technologies, such as bio-based polymers and nanotechnology, are enhancing the performance characteristics of barrier papers.
The demand for barrier-coated paper is surging in Western Europe, particularly in Germany and France, due to stringent environmental regulations and a strong push towards reducing plastic usage.
17 June 2026
17 June 2026
17 June 2026
17 June 2026