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Greif Barrier Portfolio Explainer

Helping Procurement Leaders Navigate Barrier Transitions With Confidence

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Why Procurement Needs Clarity Now

Procurement leaders across multiple industries are under pressure. Regulatory timelines in EMEA are accelerating, while customer expectations for sustainable packaging are rising. The challenge isn’t simply finding alternatives – it’s understanding which barrier solutions are viable, where they can be applied, and what trade-offs each option entails.

GUIDE OVERVIEW

Greif’s barrier portfolio is designed to provide both flexibility and confidence. From established In-Mold Barrier (IMB) technology to newer options like EcoEx and Plasma SiOx, Greif can help procurement teams chart a path that balances compliance, performance, and cost.

This guide provides an accessible overview of Greif’s three primary barrier technologies, their strengths, and the considerations procurement leaders should weigh when evaluating them.

In-Mold Barrier
(IMB)

The Established Standard

For decades, IMB has been the workhorse barrier technology in packaging for demanding products. It remains a highly effective solution for protecting active ingredients and ensuring compliance in demanding environments.

Where It Fits Best

  • High-volume applications requiring proven durability and chemical resistance.
  • Customers prioritizing stability and risk mitigation.
  • Scenarios where regulatory scrutiny is high, but IMB remains compliant.

 

Considerations for Procurement

  • Independent testing of IMB containers from multiple factories and sizes has shown full compliance with the EU PFAS restriction proposal. Current proposals, including thresholds for total organic fluorine content, indicate IMB will remain available across the EU.
  • Procurement leaders can maintain confidence in IMB for today’s critical applications, while also evaluating sensible pilots of emerging solutions to prepare for future shifts.
EcoEx

A Sustainable Shift

EcoEx represents Greif’s advancement toward a recyclable, multi-material barrier solution. Using an enhanced co-extruded structure, EcoEx delivers robust product protection while overcoming the recycling challenges associated with traditional CoEx formats — enabling recovery into high-value bottle-to-bottle applications.

Where It Fits Best

  • Customers seeking to improve their sustainability profile with recyclable, fluorine-free packaging.
  • Applications where added oxygen barrier performance (via EVOH layers) may be beneficial. Procurement teams should confirm performance against their requirements; Greif can provide additional guidance on where this is most applicable.
  • Companies building a portfolio that demonstrates proactive risk reduction and regulatory readiness

 

Considerations for Procurement

  • EcoEx may not offer the same broad chemical resistance as IMB.
  • Pricing may carry a premium compared to incumbent solutions.
  • Regulatory positioning is evolving, and performance validation remains key.
  • Procurement should also model trade-offs in raw material costs and CO2 footprint.
Plasma SiOx

The Emerging Alternative

  • Plasma SiOx applies a thin, silicon-oxide layer inside the container, creating a high-barrier solution with strong sustainability credentials. Already in pilots with customers, Plasma SiOx shows promise for customers seeking advanced alternatives.

 

Where It Fits Best

  • High-value products where barrier integrity is critical.
  • Customers positioning themselves as early adopters of next-gen sustainable packaging.
  • Applications where recyclability is a priority alongside performance.

 

Considerations for Procurement

  • Technology is newer to ag-chem than IMB or EcoEx.
  • May involve tighter supply chain coordination and different handling processes.
  • Scalability is available today in EMEA with plans for broader expansion.
Comparing the Portfolio

Choosing With Confidence

  • No single barrier technology is a silver bullet. The right choice depends on regulatory timelines, product requirements, and customer priorities. Greif’s portfolio ensures that procurement leaders don’t have to choose between compliance, performance, and sustainability – they can chart a roadmap that adapts as the landscape evolves.

 

What Procurement Should Weigh

  • Regulatory Horizon: Which solution best protects you against sudden shifts?
  • Performance Requirements: Which barrier is best suited for your most demanding products?
  • Sustainability Commitments: How important is moving to fluorine-free or recyclability in your customer conversations?
  • Cost Implications: What premium is justifiable given the total risk avoided?
PRODUCT PERMEATION ABSORPTION RECYCLABILITY CARBON FOOTPRINT MANUFACTURING COST
IMB
Plasma SiOx
EcoEx
COEX
Post-Mold Flourination
Polymer Blend
SUSTAINABLE BARRIER SOLUTIONS

CONCLUSION

LET’S GET AHEAD OF THE MARKET, TOGETHER. 

The smartest path forward is 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. Let’s talk.

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