Inline barriers and functional fiber packages – InBar

The project develops an industrially scalable process concept that provides grease and moisture resistance to fiber-based packaging materials in a more environmentally friendly way than plastics.

Barrier integrated into the package structure

A new approach to fiber-based barrier solutions

Fiber-based packaging plays a key role in replacing plastics, especially in food packaging, but its wider adoption is still limited by insufficient barrier properties against grease, moisture, and gases. Current solutions often rely on plastics, fluorochemicals, or separate coating and lamination steps, which reduce recyclability and increase both costs and process complexity. At the same time, EU regulations and sustainability pressures require new types of packaging solutions that genuinely support the circular economy.

The InBar project addresses this challenge by integrating barrier functionality directly into the paper and board manufacturing process. The project develops bio-based and industrially scalable inline barrier concepts in which material choices, wet-end chemistry, and process technology are combined into a functional and efficient whole.

Scalable bio-based barrier solutions for fiber-based packaging

InBar – Inline Barriers and Functional Fiber Packages aims to address a key challenge in packaging: how to achieve high performance without fossil-based materials or compromised recyclability. It develops new bio-based and cost-efficient barrier solutions that are directly integrated into the paper and board manufacturing process. The result is a scalable and industrially feasible solution for replacing plastics in fiber-based packaging.

Key project activities

The activities of the InBar project are divided into the following work packages:

WP1. Composite barrier structures
WP2. Processability and recyclability evaluation
WP3. Proof-of-concept tests of the inline process concept
WP4. Utilization and impact of the results
WP5. Project management, dissemination and communication

Results

The project is carried out in collaboration with companies developing packaging solutions as well as experts in process industry, chemistry, and measurement technology. The key objectives of the project are to:

Develop an industrially scalable inline barrier solution for fiber-based packaging that improves grease and moisture resistance using bio-based materials.
Create new bio‑based additive concepts that enhance resistance to oxygen, grease, oil, water vapor, and water.
Verify recyclability and compatibility with existing industrial processes through laboratory testing and pilot-scale trials.
Assess the environmental and economic performance of the developed solutions and benchmark them against current technologies.
Strengthen Finland’s competitiveness and create new business opportunities across the value chain of sustainable packaging solutions.