EVAL EUROPE NV / KURARAY

Kuraray is a world leader in the development of technologies for high gas barrier properties and in the production and technical development of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH). Our EVOH resins have been available worldwide since 1972 under the name EVAL™ and are manufactured in Belgium, the USA and Japan. Specialised local teams in each region support the distribution and technical development of EVAL™ resins. EVAL™ EVOH with a thickness of only 1 mm has the same gas barrier as a 10 metre thick wall of LDPE. With this performance, a very thin layer of EVAL™ EVOH provides an excellent barrier in efficient multilayer structures, allowing these multilayer structures to provide functional protection with a minimal amount of material. In this way, the packaging weighs less and still protects the product and the environment. In addition, because only a minimal amount of EVAL™ is required, packaging manufacturers can use the resin together with polyolefins - such as polyethylene - to produce packaging that is still considered a mono-material and fits well into the recycling loop. The barrier function of EVAL™ EVOH works in both directions: It keeps harmful oxygen and contaminants away from sensitive products and traps flavour and value inside. This makes this unique, superior barrier copolymer particularly suitable as a gas, flavour, fat and functional barrier in food, medical, pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging. Even in cases where food is specially treated, such as baby food, the barrier properties of EVAL™ protect the sensitive vitamin content against oxidation. EVAL™ EVOH also helps to utilise energy more efficiently and reduce the environmental impact of automotive fuel systems, industrial materials and agricultural films.