Nine days, no visible grease marks: ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE matches the PE-coated reference
Visible grease marks can compromise the appearance of food packaging and affect consumer confidence. In a practical packaging comparison using Austrian doughnuts (Krapfen), ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE showed no visible grease staining after nine days, as did the PE-coated cartonboard reference. All four alternative barrier cartonboards assessed showed visible staining to varying degrees.
Performance comparable to the PE-coated reference in practical testing
Austrian doughnuts were packed in boxes made from ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE 245 g/m², four alternative barrier cartonboards of comparable grammage and a PE-coated cartonboard reference.
After seven days, neither ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE nor the PE-coated reference showed visible grease staining. The four alternative barrier cartonboards showed staining ranging from very slight to significant.
The comparison was extended to nine days, with no further changes observed. Under these test conditions, ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE therefore delivered the same clean visual result as the conventional PE-coated reference.
How laboratory testing supports the result
Laboratory testing provides additional insight into grease resistance. In the Palm Kernel Fat Test (PKFT), ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE recorded more than 168 hours of grease resistance on flat samples and more than 48 hours after cross-direction creasing under defined test conditions.
In both the area test and the cross-direction crease test, ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE recorded longer grease-resistance times than all competing cartonboard grades assessed. After machine-direction creasing, the recorded result was 2.8 hours under the defined test conditions.
As folding cartons are creased, folded and formed before filling, testing both flat and creased samples provides a more practical indication of grease resistance after converting.
Together, the practical packaging comparison and the laboratory results provide complementary evidence of grease resistance under both application-related and controlled test conditions.
What the results mean for food brands
Effective grease resistance helps packaging remain clean and presentable throughout its intended use. This is particularly important for applications such as industrial bakery products, chilled foods such as sandwiches and retail sushi, frozen foods and food-to-go products.
ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE combines tested grease resistance with moisture protection. Its water-based dispersion barrier contains no fluorinated polymers, and the cartonboard is suitable for direct food contact. In addition to food packaging, ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE can be used for selected non-food applications where grease and/or moisture resistance is required.
Beyond test results, ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE has also demonstrated its potential as an alternative to PE-coated cartonboard in a commercial application. In a joint project with Tesco and food manufacturer Samworth Brothers Manton Wood, the material was introduced across 20 chilled-food SKUs, replacing PE-coated cartonboard trays. The project reported a change in the packaging’s EPR classification from amber to green and is expected to replace approximately 320 tonnes of PE-lined cartonboard annually.
For teams developing custom food packaging, it provides a tested cartonboard option for applications where product protection and pack appearance need to work together.
Designed with recyclability in mind
ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE was tested according to the CEPI/4evergreen method and recorded a recycling yield of around 99%, comparable to that of the non-barrier GC2 cartonboard reference included in the test.
The cartonboard is designed to be recyclable through established paper and board streams, subject to local collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure.
The most appropriate specification will depend on the food product, carton design, filling conditions, converting process and supply chain. MM Board & Paper works with customers to identify the grade best suited to their intended application.
Explore ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE or contact our team to discuss your packaging requirements.
FAQs
The Palm Kernel Fat Test, or PKFT, assesses grease permeability in cartonboard. Coloured palm kernel fat is applied under defined conditions, and the sample is checked for visible grease passage over time. The test is particularly suited to fatty-food applications.
“Greaseproof” is commonly used to describe packaging designed to resist penetration by fat, oil or grease. It should not be understood as an unconditional guarantee: performance needs to be assessed against the intended food, carton design and conditions of use.
Under the defined test conditions, ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE achieved more than 168 hours in the PKFT area test, more than 48 hours after cross-direction creasing and 2.8 hours after machine-direction creasing.
ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE recorded a higher result than every competitor grade assessed in the PKFT area and cross-direction crease measures.
Creasing and folding can affect barrier performance. Testing after creasing helps assess grease resistance at these potentially vulnerable points.
Suitable applications include packaging for industrial bakery products, chilled foods such as sandwiches and retail sushi, frozen foods and food-to-go products. In addition to food packaging, ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE can be used for selected non-food applications where grease and/or moisture resistance is required.
ALASKA® BARRIER GREASE is designed to be recyclable through established paper and board streams, subject to local collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure. Testing according to the CEPI/4evergreen method recorded a recycling yield of around 99%, comparable to that of the non-barrier GC2 cartonboard reference.
