An EMEA procurement perspective on barrier packaging choices
that reduce risk – without creating new ones
Policy changes in Europe and growing PFAS scrutiny globally are accelerating packaging reviews across industries. Procurement leaders are being asked to “go fluorine free,” often without the evidence or timelines required to change safely. This paper outlines a practical lens for choosing barriers by risk profile and readiness, so you can protect both your products and your brand.
The Signal vs. the Noise
Fluorine free is an attractive headline. But headlines aren’t specifications. Barrier choice is a multi-variable decision: product chemistry, shelf-life target, regulatory horizon, recyclability expectations, validation burden, and supply assurance all matter. Moving too quickly to a new format can trade one risk for several others.
Regulations are tightening, but definitions, scopes, and timelines vary by region and product class. The right response is rarely “switch everything now,” but rather, sequence change by exposure and horizon.
PROCUREMENT ACTION: Consider segmenting your portfolio by regulatory horizon and prioritize
transitions where the benefit is clear.
For certain demanding applications, legacy barriers have the longest record of success. Alternative formats may also be appropriate, provided performance is confirmed through targeted validation.
PROCUREMENT ACTION: Obtain data tied to your most demanding products (permeation,
migration, shelf life).
New packaging formats can introduce supply, lead time, line change, and cost variability (particularly at early scale). A roadmap approach manages disruption – and prevents stranded inventory.
PROCUREMENT ACTION: Implement pilots, phase in windows, and dual source contingencies.
Here is a practical, portfolio-based way to think about the three solutions Greif recommends and implements most often.
The proven incumbent
IMB remains a robust choice for volatile and aggressive products, with well-understood handling and quality controls. It is widely compliant and trusted today, making it the preferred solution where performance cannot be compromised. As regulations continue to evolve, Greif is able to help customers maintain confidence in IMB while also exploring other options at the right pace.
When it’s right (now): Demanding chemistries needing maximum protection; programs where change windows are limited and validation burden is high.
Procurement lens: Keep IMB in the mix where risk of failure is highest; begin data-driven pilots on the most challenging products to build future options.
The proven incumbent
EcoEx removes fluorine from the equation and can simplify recyclability messaging. It is well suited to many product types today, provided performance targets are confirmed against your conditions.
When it’s right (now): Programs with strong sustainability signaling needs; products heading into EMEA markets with heightened PFAS sensitivity. EcoEx also leverages existing co-extrusion platforms, meaning transitions can often be made without new registration or validation in many cases. This can significantly reduce changeover burden.
Procurement lens: Create internal alignment on which SKUs can move first; set test gates for shelf life and permeation; model cost deltas vs. risk reduction, including raw material cost and carbon footprint considerations [NEEDED: LCA/CO2 data].
Future-forward withhigh potential
Plasma SiOx delivers an innovative barrier coating that is applied to the inside of the container without any fluorine containing ingredients. It is already being piloted with customers and showing strong early results. Plasma SiOx is especially promising for customers seeking future-oriented, next-gen solutions, provided scale-up and validation steps are managed together.
When it’s right (next): High value SKUs where early adoption delivers outsized brand or regulatory benefit; programs with appetite for structured pilots.
Procurement lens: Treat as a deliberate pilot track with defined success metrics (e.g., permeation under X, shelf life Y months, no adverse line impacts).
IN CLOSING
The smartest path isn’t “fluorine free everywhere,” nor “wait and see.” It’s portfolio management: Move decisively where the evidence supports it, protect what must not fail, and pilot the future now – so you’re ready before the market forces you to be.
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