Rapids Paper + Packaging has commercially expanded its ECOVA functional paper platform with heat-sealable barrier papers for flexible packaging, opening further options to reduce plastic use in food and consumer goods formats. The ECOVA Barrier range combines paper-based construction with heat sealability and moisture protection, including a moisture vapour transmission rate of less than 0.7g/100 in2/day, or less than 10g/m2/day. Designed for existing vertical and horizontal form-fill-seal lines and pouching equipment, the materials are available as rollstock or premade pouches. The move gives brand owners a commercially ready route to assess paper packaging without wholesale changes to their packaging operations.
Barrier Performance For Paper Formats
Flexible packaging has traditionally relied on plastic structures to provide sealing and protection against moisture. Rapids Paper + Packaging’s expanded ECOVA portfolio focuses on the performance requirements that can limit the use of paper in such applications, pairing heat sealability with functional barrier properties tailored to specific uses.
ECOVA Barrier builds on the existing ECOVA platform with moisture barrier performance intended for products requiring greater resistance to moisture vapour transmission. The stated MVTR of less than 0.7g/100 in2/day positions the structure for select food and consumer goods applications where product protection remains central to the packaging decision.
For brands seeking to cut plastic content, that combination matters. Paper formats need to protect the product throughout packing, distribution and use, while also working reliably within established converting and filling processes. The new range is intended to address both considerations within a paper-based flexible packaging structure.
Heat Sealing On Existing Equipment
All ECOVA packaging structures use patented Paperlock technology and are heat-sealable. The company states that the materials are designed to run on existing flexible packaging equipment, helping manufacturers assess a switch to paper without replacing core machinery.
The solutions are compatible with vertical and horizontal form-fill-seal equipment as well as pouching equipment. This flexibility allows brands and converters to source material in rollstock form or as fully converted pouches, depending on their operational model and route to market.
John Wilson, Director of Marketing at Rapids Paper + Packaging, said:
“We’re seeing significant interest from brands across a variety of market segments, all exploring a shift to paper-based packaging. Their sustainability goals, however, can’t come at the expense of product protection. This expansion of the ECOVA platform gives brands a practical path forward, combining heat sealability, compatibility with existing packaging equipment, and barrier performance in a commercially ready solution. Together, these capabilities enable brands to reduce plastic use by adopting paper-based packaging and advancing sustainability and EPR objectives.”
Integrated Packaging Capability
Rapids Paper + Packaging combines papermaking, coating, printing and converting capabilities, allowing customers to work with one business from material development through to finished packaging. This integrated offering is particularly useful for brands exploring a new packaging format, where trial support and converting expertise can help determine whether a structure is suited to a specific application.
The company offers hands-on technical support and trial assistance during evaluation and commercialisation. Flexible minimum order quantities are also available for organisations beginning their assessment of ECOVA materials, while production capability is intended to support progression into larger commercial volumes.
Its operations in Green Bay and Shawano, Wisconsin support the company’s work across flexible packaging, advanced printing, functional coatings and converting. The ECOVA expansion draws these capabilities together around a clear materials objective: reducing plastic use while retaining the practical performance required by commercial packaging formats.
A Practical Route To Plastic Reduction
ECOVA Barrier adds a new option to the paper packaging conversation by concentrating on two operational requirements, sealability and moisture resistance. Rather than presenting paper as a universal substitute, the platform is focused on applications where a specified barrier level and compatibility with existing equipment can make transition feasible.
For brands assessing packaging changes, availability in both rollstock and premade pouch formats offers a choice of implementation routes. Converters can work with the material within their own processes, while brand owners can also source finished packaging through Rapids Paper + Packaging.
The commercial expansion reflects continued attention on material choices in flexible packaging, where product protection, production efficiency and plastic reduction objectives must be considered together. By extending its ECOVA platform with moisture barrier capability, Rapids Paper + Packaging has created a credible paper-based proposition for a broader set of packaging applications.
