Barrier Technology: A Conversation Worth Having
Barrier technology isn’t usually the kind of topic that sparks lively conversations, unless you’re talking with someone like Victor Lusvardi from Greif. What started as a technical discussion quickly turned into an approachable, insightful walkthrough of what barrier technology really is, why it matters, and where it’s headed.
What Is Barrier Technology?
Most industrial packaging is made from high‑density polyethylene (HDPE). It’s strong and versatile, but it’s also more porous than many people realize.
Under a microscope, HDPE has tiny pathways that allow certain formulation components — solvents, surfactants, fragrances, active ingredients — to slowly migrate into or through the plastic. Over time, that can lead to product loss, performance changes, odors, and safety concerns.
As Victor put it, without a barrier, you might fill a container “and a month later, you’d find half or maybe even less of that fuel left… You want what you’re putting in the container on day one to be the same at day 100,” Victor explained.
Barrier technology prevents that migration. Whether applied as a coating or built into the container structure, its purpose is simple: keep the product inside the package exactly as it was formulated.
Barrier Performance and Sustainability
Barrier technology isn’t just about protecting formulations, it’s a sustainability tool as well.
A strong barrier prevents the product from permeating into the plastic, which means the container can be decontaminated and reused. That’s a foundational part of Greif’s approach to circularity. Using fewer materials and extending the life of each package reduces environmental impact and aligns with tightening global regulations.
Victor emphasized how important it is to balance performance with sustainability and barrier effectiveness makes that possible.
Common Challenges When Adopting Barrier Technology
Many companies come to Greif with the same core question: Which barrier should we use?
The honest answer? It depends.
Compatibility is the top concern and ensuring the customer’s specific formulation won’t interact negatively with the barrier material is crucial. Format matters, too: not every barrier solution can be applied across all bottle sizes or designs. And of course, cost plays a role, since not all barrier technologies are created equal from a budget standpoint.
Greif’s approach is to partner closely with customers to find the best technical and economical fit. “We stand ready… to help them sort that out,” Victor shared.
What’s Driving Barrier Technology Innovation Right Now
A few big trends are shaping the future of barrier technology:
- Regulatory Pressure
Requirements around PFAS and the use of recycled content are accelerating innovation. Barriers increasingly need to prevent not only the product from escaping out of the packaging, but also contaminants from migrating into the product. - יכולת מיחזור
Multilayer containers (like traditional CoEx) can be harder to recycle. Greif is advancing more recyclable alternatives, including EcoEx, a more sustainable take on the classic multilayer approach. - High‑Performance Monomaterial Solutions
Technologies like In‑Mold Barrier and SiOx are gaining traction because they offer strong performance while keeping the package fully recyclable. SiOx, for example, uses a silicon oxide coating which is “similar to glass, but not brittle,” Victor noted, giving excellent protection without introducing new material types.
A Quick Look at Greif’s Barrier Technologies
Victor summarized Greif’s portfolio into three barrier technology solutions:
- In‑Mold Barrier: A cost‑effective, widely used fluorination‑based barrier with decades of proven performance.
- SiOx: A silicon oxide internal coating that keeps the container fully recyclable while enhancing resistance to solvents and oxygen.
- EcoEx: An improved multilayer technology designed for easier reprocessing at end of life.
Each comes with different strengths, and Greif works closely with customers to identify the right match based on formulation, region, cost, and sustainability goals.
Getting Started With Barrier Technology
For companies interested in incorporating barrier solutions, the process is refreshingly straightforward… start the conversation with Greif.
Share details about what’s going inside the container and what size/format you need. Collaborate on testing to validate performance. Align on the right barrier, the right packaging, and the right cost profile.
In Victor’s words, “It starts with a phone call.”