Transparent oxygen barrier, without EVOH or PVDC
Advanced flexible packaging solutions extending shelf life, maintaining freshness, and reducing waste. Our oxygen barriers are the sustainable alternative to traditional multi-layer structures.
Barrier performance
- OTR · Paper
- <3 cc/m²/day
- OTR · PET
- <0,8 cc/m²/day
Good machinability
Michem® Flex Barrier line
High-performance water-based coatings applied superficially on both monolayer films and papers. Compatible with standard application systems (rotogravure, flexo, rod, or roller) with conventional drying, facilitating the transition to sustainable packaging without complex machinery modifications.
- Very high oxygen barrier (+ aroma and mineral oil barriers)
- PET <0.8 cc/m²/day; Met-PET <0.03 cc/m²/day
- BOPP, MDOPE <10 cc/m²/day
- Papel <3 cc/m²/day
- Over-printable
- FDA indirect food contact
- Some products may be used as metallization primer and/or metal layer topcoat
- Some products may be used as extrusion primer and OTR coating combo
- Can be combined with functional heat-seal coating to provide all-in-one solution for paper packaging
Oxygen barrier range
Approximate graphical representation of barrier values.
What is a functional barrier coating?
Unlike traditional laminations that use multiple layers of hard-to-recycle plastics, our functional coatings are water-based liquid solutions. They are applied as an ultra-thin layer onto substrates like paper or mono-material films. Once dry, they create an invisible yet powerful barrier against oxygen, aromas, and grease, enabling the final package to be recyclable and lightweight without sacrificing product protection.
Layer configurations
Recommended structures for film and paper.
Film structures
Application on Sealant Film
- Printed Web (BOPP/PET)
- Printing Inks
- Lamination Adhesive
- OXYGEN Barrier Coating (Michem Flex)
- Sealant Film (PE/PP)
Application on Print Web
- Printed Web (BOPP/PET)
- OXYGEN Barrier Coating (Michem Flex)
- Printing Inks
- Lamination Adhesive
- Sealant Film (PE/PP)
Boost Barrier on plastics
See the dramatic reduction in oxygen transmission rate (OTR) when applying our coatings.
Before (OTR)
100
cc/m²/day
After (OTR)
0.8
cc/m²/day · 125 times less oxygen
High-Barrier metallized paper pouches
A recyclable alternative to aluminum-laminated packaging.
Metallized High Barrier Paper Pouches are a sustainable alternative to traditional laminated packaging, designed to offer exceptional protection.
Layer configurations
- OPV (Protection)
- Inks
- Base Paper (UPM)
- Michem® Primer
- Metallization
- Heat Sealant
Developed by Michelman with BOBST · UPM Specialty Papers
How the barrier builds step by step
Approximate graphical representation of barrier values.
Paper Barrier properties
Select a barrier level to view details and suggested structure.
| Suggested Structure | Low Barrier | Medium Barrier | High Barrier | Ultra high Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | Frozen food | Dry food, candy bars | Oatmeal | Protein powder, drink mix |
| OTR (cc/m²/day) | N/A | <3 | <3 | <0.1 |
| MVTR (gr/m²/day) | >50 | 15-50 | 5-15 | 0.1-1 |
| Cobb (gsm) | <15 | <15 | <15 | <15 |
| OGR (3M Kit) | 9-12 | 9-12 | 9-12 | 9-12 |
| Heat Seal | 300-800 gr/in | 300-800 gr/in | 300-800 gr/in | 300-800 gr/in |
Suggested Structure
Dry food, candy bars
Medium Barrier
- Printing Inks
- Paper
- Oxygen Barrier
- Heat Sealant
Frequently asked questions
What OTR can Michem® Flex Barrier reach?
As manufacturer reference values: below 0.8 cc/m²/day on PET, 0.03 on Met-PET and below 3 on paper. The final value depends on the structure and is confirmed with a trial.
Does it replace EVOH or PVDC?
In many structures, yes. The coating provides a transparent oxygen and aroma barrier without an extra coextruded or laminated layer.
Does it work on paper?
Yes. In paper structures for dry food, snacks and confectionery it is combined with a heat seal to deliver barrier and closure.
Let’s talk about your barrier structure
Tell us the product, substrate and shelf life you need. We will propose the structure and the trial plan.
Let’s talk about your packaging
Tell us what you need to achieve. Our team will review your application and help define the next step.
Main Office
Calle 26N # 5A N -50, Cali, Colombia