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Waterproof barrier on corrugated board

Our approach

Pressure on manufacturers is increasing. Consumers expect more sustainable packaging, and the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is tightening requirements for recyclability. The market is looking for alternatives to proven multilayer composites—without compromising on barrier performance and product safety.

Our answer is functional, water-based barriers. Applied to paper and board as a dispersion coating, they provide reliable protection while enabling recycling in the paper stream. Many conventional coatings and composites can only be processed to a limited extent—or not at all—within paper recycling. Our dispersion coatings, by contrast, are certified recyclable in the paper recycling stream, integrate into the paper cycle, are PFAS-free, and suitable for direct food contact. We tailor barrier performance, feel, and processability precisely to your product requirements and preferences.

With SCHELLING AG, you gain a partner with over 150 years of experience and deep expertise in paper and board.

More about the PPWR
Paper packaging for chocolate bars

Flexible packaging

Especially for sensitive products such as chocolate, bars, or dry snacks, switching to paper-based packaging has often involved risks. Our barrier papers provide reliable protection against water vapour, oxygen, moisture, and grease. They preserve aroma and reduce grease migration as well as visible staining. At the same time, the material feels natural and looks premium and refined.

We supply the coated paper in roll stock. It is heat-sealable and compatible with standard packaging machines, for example for flow packs. Pre-made flat-bottom pouches are also possible. This way, you combine product safety with a premium tactile feel—particularly compelling in the organic segment.

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Barrier packaging made from corrugated board

Packaging made from corrugated board and solid board

Even for rigid packaging made from corrugated board and solid board, we set new benchmarks for demanding applications. Whether for fatty products, frozen goods, or sensitive powdered contents: our water-based barrier varnishes replace conventional plastic coatings. This makes folding cartons, trays, or multipacks directly grease- and water-repellent—without additional protective layers or extra packaging components.

Many conventionally coated board materials can only be processed to a limited extent in the paper recycling stream. By contrast, our solutions are designed as mono-materials and are certified recyclable in the paper recycling stream. This reduces material losses, improves circularity, and supports a better environmental footprint—while maintaining high shape stability and strong barrier performance.

Because SCHELLING AG provides development and production from a single source, we tailor the material structure, design, and barrier properties precisely to your product requirements.

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The benefits of our barrier solutions

Tailor-made solutions

Tailor-made solutions

Our barrier solutions are tailored precisely to your requirements. From the choice of materials through to coating, printing and finishing, we provide everything from a single source. The water-based barrier coating can be used on a variety of paper grades and enables the creation of functional, reliable packaging.

Flexible print runs

Flexible print runs

Thanks to our specially formulated barrier coating and finishing processes, we can produce both large-scale runs and small batches cost-effectively. Development, printing and finishing are all carried out in-house – ensuring high-quality, certified barrier packaging in the quantities required.

Certified protective barrier

Certified protective barrier

Our barrier packaging is independently certified. It is food-grade certified, PFAS-free and recyclable in the paper recycling stream. We are happy to provide the relevant certificates on request.

Infographic featuring key figures on barrier packaging: 54 per cent of consumers are willing to pay a higher price, over 60 per cent consider recycling and reduced material consumption to be important, and 150 years of experience and expertise in the packaging industry.

Key facts and figures at a glance

Barrier packaging is not just a technical solution, but also a strategic decision. Facts and figures show why.

  • 54% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, with an accepted price premium of 8% on average. Source: Simon-Kucher & YouGov, 2025 study
  • 66% consider minimal packaging to be the most important sustainability feature. The fact that packaging is recyclable and made from recycled materials is crucial for over 60%. Source: Simon-Kucher & YouGov, 2025 study
  • We have over 150 years experience in the paper and board sector. With 600 employees, we develop and produce packaging solutions that deliver on their promises.

This is how your barrier packaging is made

To help you find the right barrier packaging quickly and reliably, we guide you through a clearly structured process from the initial idea right through to production.

1 – Initial contact and consultation

You come to us with your idea or specific requirements. Together, we define the specifications for your barrier packaging, from the desired barrier performance and shelf life to the choice of materials. No prior knowledge is required. We advise you on paper, barrier coatings and further processing.

2 – Ordering a sample

Based on your requirements, we will produce a sample of your barrier packaging. This allows you to test the material, feel and protective effect directly on your product before deciding to proceed with series production.

3 – Testing on your production line

We will assist you with practical testing of your barrier packaging and answer any questions you may have regarding machine compatibility, sealing and processability.

4 – Production

Once all requirements have been met, we will take over the entire production of your barrier packaging. Coating, printing and finishing are all carried out in-house.

Frequently asked questions about barrier packaging

Barrier packaging often raises questions. Here, we address the key issues in a concise, clear and practical way.

What is barrier packaging?

Barrier packaging protects your product from external factors such as moisture, water vapour, oxygen and fats, and helps to maintain the product’s quality over a longer period of time. Our solutions are based on paper and cardboard with a water-based dispersion coating and do not require any plastic composites.

What barrier solutions does SCHELLING AG offer?

We offer three product formats: coated barrier paper in rolls, for example for flow-pack applications; pre-made block-bottom pouches; and moisture- and grease-resistant cardboard packaging made from corrugated or solid board. All our solutions are PFAS-free, food-grade certified and recyclable.

What products is your barrier packaging suitable for?

Our barrier packaging is particularly suitable for dry and fatty products such as chocolate, snacks or dried goods. It can also be used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors. We would be happy to discuss with you whether barrier packaging is suitable for your product.

What level of protection does your barrier packaging offer?

Our barrier solutions provide reliable protection against moisture, water vapour, oxygen and fats. Furthermore, our barrier papers are also heat-sealable on request.

What is the shelf life of products in your barrier packaging?

Shelf life depends on the specific product, storage conditions and requirements. It is not possible to make a general statement. We recommend product-specific testing and will assist you in assessing shelf life.

Can I choose between different materials, paper weights and sizes?

Yes. The material, paper weight and format are tailored to your requirements. The barrier coating is applied in close collaboration with specialist partners, which gives us considerable flexibility when it comes to customisation.

Is your barrier packaging compatible with my packaging machine?

Our barrier papers are heat-sealable and can be processed on standard packaging machines. We would be happy to check with you whether your equipment is suitable and assist you with practical tests.

Is your barrier packaging recyclable?

Yes. Our emulsion coatings can be recycled in the waste paper stream. This sets them apart from traditional composite materials or plastic coatings, which often have limited recyclability.

Is paper packaging really more sustainable than plastic?

Not all paper packaging is automatically more sustainable. The key factors are the coating and recyclability. Our barrier packaging is PFAS-free and certified as recyclable in the waste paper stream. In the EU, paper achieves a recycling rate of around 80% compared to 41% for plastic, and generates significantly fewer emissions – approximately 0.9 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne – than plastic, which emits 6.4 tonnes. Sources: Eurostat 2024; Plastics Europe 2021

Does your barrier packaging comply with current legal requirements?

Yes. Our barrier packaging is food-grade certified, recyclable in the paper recycling stream and proven to be PFAS-free. It is designed as a single-material product and meets the requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation PPWR, which comes into force in August 2026.

What does the PPWR mean for my business?

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has been in force since February 2025 and will become mandatory from August 2026. It applies to almost all companies that place packaging on the market in the EU. We can assist you with implementation, as well as with demonstrating PPWR compliance and recyclability. Further information can be found on our information page.

Is your barrier packaging PFAS-free, and how is this verified?

Yes. Our barrier packaging is certified as PFAS-free. We can provide you with the relevant certification upon request. This is particularly relevant in view of the EU limits on PFAS in food packaging, which will come into force in August 2026.

Is SCHELLING AG’s barrier packaging already in use?

Yes, pilot applications have already been implemented. Among other things, we have worked with a customer to package a chocolate bar using our barrier paper on a flow-pack machine. We are currently preparing for its launch on the market. We work closely with our customers during testing and the phased introduction of paper-based barrier solutions.

What is the minimum order quantity for barrier packaging?

We produce barrier packaging in both small and large quantities. There is no minimum order quantity for an initial enquiry. We will work with you to determine which solution is best suited to your project.

At what stage of the project can I get in touch with you?

Ideally, as early as possible. Even without a final specification or briefing. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from your initial enquiry through to prototyping and testing, right through to mass production.

What exactly does the onboarding process involve?

Getting started is straightforward. Once you’ve sent us your enquiry, we’ll discuss your requirements and support you every step of the way – from initial consultation and sample orders to testing and mass production.

Will I receive certification documents for my own records?

Yes. As a packaging manufacturer, we provide you with the documentation required for PPWR compliance and other requirements. This enables you to fulfil your own obligations to provide evidence.

Your sustainable barrier packaging starts here

Tell us about your product. Whether you’re looking for an initial consultation, a sample order or a specific project enquiry, we’ll get back to you and work with you to develop the right barrier solution.

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