EVOH film is an essential player in the world of food packaging. But why exactly is it so important?

EVOH, or Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol, is crucial for food packaging because of its exceptional barrier properties, ensuring freshness and extending shelf life.

In today’s competitive food industry, maintaining freshness is everything. EVOH film plays a major role in protecting food from oxygen, moisture, and other elements that could spoil it.

What type of plastic is EVOH?

EVOH is a type of plastic that combines ethylene and vinyl alcohol. But what makes it so special in food packaging?

EVOH is a copolymer made from ethylene and vinyl alcohol, known for its excellent barrier properties.

EVOH is different from other plastics due to its unique chemical structure. It creates a barrier that prevents oxygen from reaching food products, thus helping to maintain freshness. Unlike regular plastics, it offers resistance to moisture and gases, which is crucial for preserving food for longer periods.

Why is EVOH Unique for Food Packaging?

EVOH's main strength is its ability to block oxygen. Oxygen can lead to spoilage in many foods, especially in sensitive products like coffee, meats, and snacks. EVOH’s remarkable barrier qualities make it ideal for creating packaging that ensures the product stays fresh for extended periods.

Is EVOH food safe?

Yes, EVOH is considered food-safe. It's used widely in food packaging, particularly in vacuum-sealed or modified atmosphere packaging¹.

EVOH is approved by regulatory bodies for food safety. It meets the standards for food contact materials.

EVOH is FDA-approved in many countries for direct contact with food. The material itself is inert and doesn't leach harmful chemicals into the food, making it safe for use in food packaging. It’s an ideal choice for packaging products that require stringent protection, like dairy, meats, and snacks.

What are the applications of EVOH?

EVOH’s unique properties make it suitable for a wide range of food packaging applications.

From snack bags to vacuum-sealed containers, EVOH is versatile and widely used in packaging.

Some of the most common applications of EVOH in food packaging include:

• Coffee bags: To preserve the aroma and freshness.
• Meat packaging: Prevents spoilage and extends shelf life.
• Snack bags: Keeps products crisp and fresh.
• Sauce and condiment containers: Protects flavor and freshness.

EVOH is also used in pharmaceutical packaging and in non-food products where preservation is essential.

What are the disadvantages of EVOH?

As perfect as EVOH seems, it's not without its drawbacks.

EVOH can be more expensive and less flexible compared to other plastic materials.

EVOH film is not as durable as other materials when it comes to physical stress, like bending or stretching. It also needs to be used in combination with other films to enhance its mechanical properties. This makes the production cost higher compared to more common packaging materials like polyethylene.

However, the benefits of EVOH often outweigh these downsides, especially for high-end or perishable products where maintaining freshness is paramount.

Conclusion

EVOH is an indispensable material for food packaging, offering exceptional barrier properties² that protect food and extend its shelf life. But, as with any material, it comes with its challenges, such as cost and flexibility.