BASF Launches New ecovio® Portfolio for Flexible Packaging with Multiple Barrier Options
LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — BASF has launched an expanded ecovio® portfolio for flexible packaging, introducing multiple barrier structures based on its certified home-compostable biopolymer that can be applied to both paper and plastic substrates — with end-of-life options via organic recycling (home/industrial composting) or paper recycling (repulpable).
The launch, previewed at interpack 2026 (Düsseldorf, May 7–13), addresses a critical gap in sustainable packaging: the ability to combine high barrier performance (oxygen, moisture, aroma) with certified compostability and recyclability in existing streams.
Portfolio Expansion
The new ecovio® grades enable three distinct packaging architectures:
| Architecture | Substrate | Barrier Layer | End-of-Life | Target Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic-based | ecovio® film | ecovio® extrusion coating | Home/industrial composting (EN 13432, AS 5810, NF T 51-800) | Coffee, snacks, pet food, produce bags |
| Paper-based (repulpable) | Paper | ecovio® dispersion coating | Paper recycling (PTS-RH 021/97) + compostable | Dry food, confectionery, non-food |
| Multilayer laminate | Paper/film | ecovio® adhesive lamination | Composting (where infrastructure exists) | High-barrier requirements (O₂ < 1 cm³/m²·day) |
Technical Performance
Barrier properties (typical values, 20°C/65% r.H.):
| Parameter | ecovio® Coating | Benchmark (PVdC) |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) | < 5 cm³/m²·day·bar | < 1 cm³/m²·day·bar |
| Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) | < 5 g/m²·day | < 1 g/m²·day |
| Aroma retention | Excellent (limonene test) | Excellent |
Processing advantages:
- Co-extrusion & extrusion coating on standard lines (180–220°C)
- Water-based dispersion coating for paper (rod, gravure, flexo)
- Adhesive lamination with compostable adhesives
- Heat sealable across broad temperature window (90–160°C)
Regulatory & Certification
- Home compostable: TÜV Austria OK compost HOME, DIN CERTCO
- Industrial compostable: EN 13432, ISO 17088, AS 4736, ASTM D6400
- Paper recyclability: PTS-RH 021/97 (repulpability > 95% fiber recovery)
- Food contact: EU 10/2011, FDA FCN, China GB 4806
- Biobased content: Up to 70% (ASTM D6866), varying by grade
Market Context
Flexible packaging represents ~40% of global plastic packaging by weight but < 5% recycling rate due to multilayer complexity, contamination, and lack of collection. Compostable flexible packaging offers a systemic solution where organic recycling infrastructure exists (e.g., Italy, Germany, Benelux, parts of France, Australia).
“The new ecovio® portfolio gives converters and brand owners a toolkit, not a single grade,” said Dr. Dirk Voeste, Senior Vice President, BASF Performance Materials. “They can match barrier needs to substrate choice and local end-of-life infrastructure — composting, paper recycling, or both.”
interpack 2026 Showcase
BASF demonstrated:
- Coffee pouch: Paper/ecovio® with aroma barrier, repulpable
- Snack bag: ecovio® film with O₂/Moisture barrier, home compostable
- Produce bag: ecovio® blown film, industrial compostable, anti-fog
- Lamination: PET/ecovio®/PE structure with compostable adhesive
Resources
- BASF Press Release: New ecovio® portfolio for flexible packaging
- BASF interpack 2026: Solutions for modern packaging concepts
- Renewable Carbon News coverage
- Towards Packaging: BASF Compostable Ecovio Portfolio
- WhatTheyThink: BASF at interpack 2026
- BASF ecovio® Technical Datasheets
Company Boilerplate
BASF is the world’s largest chemical company, with six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. The Performance Materials division develops bioplastics (ecovio®, ecovio® ePLA), engineering plastics, and polyurethane systems for packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer goods.
Source: BASF press release, April 2026 (interpack preview)