New Barrier Paper Options Help Brands Cut Plastic Use
Consumer goods brands now have a new option to reduce plastic usage in flexible packaging via new moisture-resistant paper.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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Rapids Paper + Packaging has expanded its ECOVA portfolio to include new barrier paper packaging designed for moisture vapor transmission resistance. This product line offers consumer goods brands a new path to reduce plastic in flexible packaging applications.
Why it matters
As regulatory and consumer pressure to decrease plastic usage in packaging intensifies, brands are seeking paper-based alternatives that maintain essential product shelf-life and protection standards. This expansion provides a technical solution for manufacturers transitioning away from plastic flexible formats.
The expanded ECOVA portfolio provides a new barrier-ready option for manufacturers, building on the company's existing specialty paper platform. Specific market share or unit capacity figures for the new line remain undisclosed.
The players
Rapids Paper + Packaging
A manufacturer specializing in paper-based packaging materials, barrier solutions, and flexible conversion products.
The details
The new ECOVA Barrier line integrates moisture resistance directly into heat-sealable paper formats. By combining these two characteristics, the material allows converters to maintain protection requirements for moisture-sensitive products while moving away from traditional plastic-dominant packaging structures.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Rapids Paper + Packaging announced the commercial portfolio expansion.
Market Landscape
This development aligns with the broad industry trend of shifting toward plastic-free flexible packaging to meet sustainability mandates. It marks a continued effort by materials suppliers to improve the protective capabilities of fiber-based substrates.
Operators managing flexible packaging procurement should evaluate whether moisture vapor transmission rates of their current plastic films can be matched by these paper-based alternatives. Assess your existing converting equipment to ensure compatibility with heat-sealable barrier paper requirements.
The takeaway
Manufacturers now have an additional option to reduce plastic reliance without sacrificing the moisture-resistance needed for product shelf life. Suppliers should audit current plastic-based flexible SKUs against this new barrier paper capability to identify potential packaging design conversions.
Further reading
For more on materials innovation, visit our Consumer Goods section.
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Do you believe replacing plastic with paper packaging effectively improves product protection and environmental sustainability?
