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In the modern packaging and polymer industries, preserving the original fragrance, flavor, and volatile organic profiles of products is a critical challenge. Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) copolymer has emerged as the premier plastic raw material for aroma protection. EVOH is a semi-crystalline copolymer composed of ethylene and vinyl alcohol segments, combining the excellent processability of ethylene with the peerless gas barrier properties of vinyl alcohol. The molecular structure of EVOH features highly polar hydroxyl groups (-OH) that form strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. This dense molecular packing acts as a microscopic shield, preventing volatile aroma molecules from migrating out of the packaging while simultaneously blocking oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other external gases from entering.
Unlike standard polyolefins such as PE or PP, which are highly permeable to organic compounds and essential oils, EVOH provides an exceptional barrier against flavor scalping—the absorption of volatile aroma components by the packaging material itself. By incorporating EVOH raw material into multi-layer co-extruded films or rigid containers, manufacturers can guarantee that foods, cosmetics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals maintain their intended olfactory profiles from the factory floor to the end consumer.
EVOH offers one of the lowest oxygen transmission rates (OTR) among commercial polymers, protecting sensitive organic compounds from oxidation and degradation.
Prevents the absorption of essential oils, volatile flavor compounds, and key aromatic elements into the packaging walls.
Easily co-extruded with PE, PP, PA, and PET, allowing for flexible film structures, blow-molded bottles, and thermoformed trays.
The global demand for high-barrier packaging materials has experienced exponential growth, driven by the expansion of the packaged food industry, premium cosmetics, and strict environmental regulations. Historically, aluminum foil and glass were the primary choices for absolute aroma and oxygen barriers. However, their high production energy costs, weight, and susceptibility to flex-cracking have driven a massive industry shift toward lightweight, flexible plastic alternatives. EVOH raw materials stand at the forefront of this transition.
Currently, the market values EVOH not only for its technical performance but also for its contribution to reducing food waste. By extending the shelf life of perishable items and maintaining fresh aromas without the need for artificial preservatives, EVOH plays a critical role in clean-label consumer products. Furthermore, in the chemical and automotive sectors, EVOH is widely utilized in fuel tank liners and chemical containers to prevent volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fuel vapors from escaping into the environment, fulfilling stringent EPA and Euro 6 emission standards.
The future of EVOH plastic raw materials is closely tied to two major trends: sustainable packaging circularity and ultra-thin barrier technology. Historically, multi-layer films containing EVOH were challenging to recycle. Today, advanced recycling initiatives and the development of tie resins allow EVOH layers (typically constituting less than 5% of the total packaging weight) to be successfully recycled within standard polyolefin streams. Moreover, raw material manufacturers are focusing on producing EVOH resins with varying ethylene content (ranging from 27 mol% to 48 mol%) to optimize the balance between gas barrier performance and thermoformability under diverse humidity conditions.
Since its establishment in 1950, TPS Specialty Chemical Limited has always focused on innovation and development in the chemical industry. Headquartered in Argentina, after more than 70 years of development, TPS has grown into one of the leading companies in the global chemical industry. We have branches around the world, especially in Hong Kong, which has laid the foundation for our rapid growth in the Global market. As a company with an international vision, TPS actively seeks in-depth cooperation with well-known local chemical companies in many countries and regions to jointly develop a series of innovative products with market competitiveness.
In the Chinese mainland, TPS has set up the R&D center in Chongqing City to focus on the research and development of high-tech materials and successfully launched high-barrier material EVOH resin. This product is widely used in food packaging, medicine and cosmetics with its excellent gas barrier properties and chemical stability, meeting the market's growing demand for high-performance materials. Our R&D team combines the technical advantages of Multi-parties and is committed to continuously improving the quality and performance of products in order to better serve customers and the market.
TPS Specialty Chemical Limited has a team of experienced professionals, including chemical engineers, R&D experts and marketing personnel. With their deep industry knowledge and rich practical experience, they provide strong support for the company's continuous innovation and development. We always attach importance to the growth and training of employees, and strive to encourage teamwork and innovation in a positive working environment so that every employee can fully realize their potential.
Aroma preservation is not a one-size-fits-all requirement. Different industries demand tailored barrier configurations depending on the chemical nature of the aroma compounds and environmental exposure. Below, we dissect how EVOH raw material serves various high-demand sectors:
Coffee beans and ground coffee release volatile organic compounds that give them their distinct, rich aroma. At the same time, oxygen ingress rapidly oxidizes these oils, leading to staleness. EVOH-based multi-layer bags lock in the delicate sulfur compounds and esters responsible for the fresh-brewed scent, while maintaining a strict barrier against ambient oxygen. Similarly, spices rich in essential oils (such as black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon) rely on EVOH to prevent the transmission of their strong odors, ensuring they do not cross-contaminate other products during logistics.
Pet foods often contain high levels of fats and marine oils, which generate strong aromas that pets love but humans find overpowering. EVOH barrier layers prevent these oily aromas from migrating through the plastic bag, keeping the scent contained. Crucially, the oxygen barrier prevents the oxidation of these fats, avoiding rancidity and preserving the food's nutritional value and palatability over long shelf periods.
Cosmetic formulations containing active botanical extracts, essential oils, and complex chemical fragrances are highly susceptible to evaporation and chemical transformation. EVOH-lined tubes, bottles, and pouches ensure that the top, middle, and base notes of fragrances remain perfectly preserved. It also prevents the active ingredients from reacting with the plastic container, maintaining product safety and efficacy.
Why global manufacturers choose TPS Specialty Chemical Limited as their trusted polymer partner.
Founded in 1950, TPS Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd. is a global supplier of specialty chemicals and polymer materials, providing a comprehensive product portfolio and full-service solutions to customers worldwide. Guided by the philosophy of “complete product categories, integrated services, and deep value-chain expertise,” TPS focuses on EVOH resin, CPP and PVDC raw materials, specialty equipment, and high-performance plastic additives, delivering reliable and efficient solutions for diverse industrial applications. With decades of experience in the polymer and materials industry, TPS has developed strong partnerships with leading chemical manufacturers across China and international markets. As a professional polymer materials supplier and specialty chemicals distributor, we not only ensure consistent product quality and stable supply, but also support customers with application guidance, technical consultation, and customized sourcing solutions.
Selecting the optimal EVOH plastic raw material requires a careful evaluation of the application's processing method and environmental conditions. The primary variable in EVOH composition is the ethylene mol%, which typically ranges from 27% to 48%. Lower ethylene content (e.g., 29 mol%, 32 mol%) yields higher gas and aroma barrier performance but is more crystalline and rigid, requiring careful temperature control during processing. Conversely, higher ethylene content (e.g., 44 mol%, 48 mol%) offers greater flexibility, ease of thermoforming, and impact resistance, making it ideal for complex packaging shapes and stretch films, albeit with a slight compromise in absolute gas barrier capability under dry conditions.
Furthermore, EVOH is highly sensitive to moisture. Because water molecules can plasticize the vinyl alcohol segments, the gas barrier performance of EVOH decreases in high-humidity environments. To counteract this, packaging designers sandwich the EVOH layer between hydrophobic polyolefin layers (such as LDPE, HDPE, or PP) using advanced tie resins. This multi-layer structure ensures that the EVOH core remains dry and continues to perform as an absolute barrier to aroma and oxygen, even under retort sterilization or high-humidity storage conditions.
