SVW™ EW-3801S-EVOH High-Barrier Material for Food Packaging Applications
Performance Features of SVW™ EW-3801S in Food Packaging
1.Outstanding Oxygen Barrier Performance
EVOH (Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer) is widely recognized as one of the most advanced high-barrier materials for food packaging.Under low-humidity conditions, EVOH achieves an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) as low as 0.1–1.0 cm³/m²·day, significantly outperforming conventional packaging materials such as PA, PET, and PE.
In multilayer co-extrusion or laminated structures, EVOH is typically positioned as the core barrier layer and protected by moisture-resistant materials such as PE or PP. This structural design allows EVOH to maintain stable barrier performance even in complex environments including cold-chain logistics, high-humidity storage, and thermal processing, effectively delaying food oxidation and quality degradation.
2. Excellent Mechanical Synergy and Structural Design Flexibility
EVOH is rarely used as a standalone material. Instead, it is integrated into 5-layer or 7-layer co-extruded structures, forming a highly synergistic, multifunctional system with other polymers such as PA, PP, PE, and mPE:
PA / BOPA: Provides excellent puncture resistance, impact strength, and abrasion resistance
PE / mPE: Offers reliable heat-sealing performance and superior low-temperature toughness
EVOH: Serves as the core gas and aroma barrier layer
This engineered multilayer design enables packaging solutions that combine high barrier performance with mechanical strength, flexibility, and processing stability.
3. High Transparency and Superior Product Display
With optimized structural design, EVOH-based packaging can achieve near glass-like clarity, meeting modern food packaging demands for visibility, freshness perception, and premium presentation.
This advantage is particularly important for product categories such as fresh meat, seafood, and dairy products, where visual appearance strongly influences consumer perception of quality and freshness.
4.Food Safety and Global Regulatory Compliance
EVOH can be processed using solvent-free co-extrusion or compliant lamination technologies, eliminating risks of solvent residue or odor migration. EVOH materials comply with major international food-contact regulations, including:
U.S. FDA food contact standards
EU Regulation 10/2011
Food packaging safety requirements in multiple export markets
These properties make EVOH especially suitable for food packaging applications targeting high-end markets such as Europe, North America, Australia, and Japan.
Advantages of SVW™ EW-3801S in Different Food Packaging Applications
1.Fresh Meat Packaging
(1) Packaging Challenges
Oxidation leading to discoloration and lipid rancidity
Long cold-chain logistics cycles with high humidity
Risk of package damage from bones or external mechanical stress
(2) EVOH Solution Advantages
Superior oxygen barrier: Effectively inhibits myoglobin oxidation and preserves bright red meat color
Extended shelf life: Achieves stable shelf life of over 15 days under refrigerated conditions
Cold-chain and thermal resistance: Maintains structural stability from -50°C to 121°C
Compatibility with VSP and MAP: Enhances product presentation and sealing reliability
EVOH asymmetric co-extrusion structures have become the mainstream solution for export-grade premium fresh meat packaging.
2.Seafood and Aquatic Product Packaging
(1) Packaging Challenges
Puncture risks caused by shrimp spines, crab shells, and fish bones
High fat content leading to rapid oxidation
Repeated refrigeration, freezing, and thawing cycles
(2) EVOH Solution Advantages
Core barrier layer suppresses lipid oxidation: Significantly reduces TBARS values
High puncture resistance: Achieved through combination with BOPA and toughened mPE
Excellent low-temperature toughness: Maintains high impact resistance at -40°C
High transparency: Enhances freshness perception and shelf appeal
Ideal for premium packaging of fish fillets, shrimp, shellfish, and whole seafood products.
3.Dairy and Beverage Packaging
(1) Packaging Challenges
Flavor degradation caused by oxygen ingress
High sensitivity to odor migration
Strict hygiene and regulatory requirements
(2)EVOH Solution Advantages
Outstanding dual barrier against oxygen and aromas, preserving original flavor
Stable material performance with no odor migration
Suitable for various formats, including bottles, cups, and pouches
Fully compliant with stringent food safety regulations
Particularly suitable for high-end liquid dairy products, functional beverages, and fermented drinks.
4.Retort and Ready-to-Eat Food Packaging
(1)Packaging Challenges
High-temperature and high-humidity conditions up to 121°C
Long sterilization processes causing delamination or barrier degradation
Aging and failure risks in sealing areas
(2)EVOH Solution Advantages
High-temperature-resistant EVOH grades with stable barrier performance
Multilayer co-extrusion or laminated structures prevent delamination during retorting
Barrier performance can recover after thermal processing
Transparent alternative to aluminum foil, enhancing product visibility
Widely used for high-value products such as ready meals, cooked meats, sauces, and soups.
