In a world where packaging requirements are constantly evolving, finding solutions that combine performance, protection, and sustainability is essential. PE Coated Kraft (Polyethylene-Coated Kraft) has established itself as an indispensable material in various industrial and food sectors. Discover its characteristics, advantages, and applications, with a focus on its environmental impact.
What is PE Coated Paper?
PE Coated Kraft is a kraft paper covered with a thin layer of polyethylene (PE) on one or both sides. This combination provides the mechanical strength of kraft paper while benefiting from the barrier and waterproof properties of polyethylene.
It is available in multiple grammages and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of industries and converters.
Advantages of Polyethylene-Coated Paper: A Barrier Kraft
✅ 1. Effective Protection and Barrier
- Waterproofing: Thanks to its PE coating, this material effectively protects against moisture and water.
- Resistance to grease and oils: Ideal for food packaging and industrial applications.
- Barrier against dust and contaminants: Ensures better product protection.
✅ 2. Excellent Mechanical Performance
- High tear and puncture resistance: The kraft structure ensures optimal strength for transport and handling.
- Heat-sealable: The PE layer allows for easy and quick sealing, reducing the need for additional adhesives.
- Good folding and shaping capability: Making it ideal for various packaging applications.
✅ 3. Versatility and Wide Range of Applications
PE Coated Kraft is widely used across various industries:
- Food industry: Packaging for dry goods, trays, grease-resistant bags.
- Industrial packaging: Protective sacks, moisture-resistant interleaves.
- Construction and building: Vapor barriers, insulation covers, protective layers.
- Pharmaceutical and cosmetics: Moisture-protective packaging.
✅ 4. Aesthetic and Customization Options
- Printability: Possibility to add logos, instructions, or marketing visuals to enhance brand identity.
- Smooth and uniform finish: Improves packaging appearance and strengthens its attractiveness.
Recyclability: Paper Recycling Outperforms Plastic Recycling
📊 Key statistics on recycling performance
🔹 Paper Recycling
- 71.4% of paper and cardboard is recycled in Europe (source: CEPI, 2023).
- In France, 88% of paper/cardboard packaging is recycled (source: CITEO, 2023), one of the highest recycling rates among all packaging materials.
- The paper industry operates in a closed-loop system, where fibers can be reused up to 7 times before degrading.
🔹 Plastic Recycling
- Only 9% of plastic produced worldwide is recycled (source: UNEP, 2022).
- In Europe, the plastic recycling rate is approximately 32%, but most recycled plastics are of lower quality and often end up being incinerated or landfilled.
- Some plastics, such as polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), are difficult to recycle and require energy-intensive processes.
🔹 Direct Comparison
| Material | Recycling rate in Europe | Number of recycling cycles possible |
| Paper/Cardboard | 71% | Up to 7 times |
| Plastic | 32% | 1 to 2 times (rapid quality degradation) |
👉 Paper recycling systems are far more efficient and effective than plastic recycling.
Why is this an advantage for PE Coated Kraft?
Although PE Coated Kraft contains plastic, it can be designed for easier recyclability with low-PE-content formulations. Additionally, it helps reduce overall plastic consumption compared to 100% PE or PP films.
Why Choose PE Coated Kraft?
PACKOKRAFTⓇ PE stands out for its versatility and technical performance, as well as its reduced environmental impact compared to traditional plastic films.
✔️ An effective barrier against moisture and grease
✔️ A robust and heat-sealable material
✔️ An alternative to 100% PE or PP plastics
✔️ A much higher recycling rate thanks to the paper industry
Looking for durable and high-performance packaging? Contact us to learn more about our PACKOKRAFTⓇ PE solutions! 🚀