Ciba announce recyclable alternative to traditional wax for corrugated boxes

With waxes (difficult to recycle) and fluorochemicals (PBT issues with PFOA and PFOS) rightly receiving bad press, there is pressure on paper and board companies to find new approaches to developing barrier properties.

In the news this last week was an announcement by Ciba Specialty Chemicals of wax replacement products for corrugated boxes. Ciba has signed an exclusive agreement with Spectra-Kote Corporation of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA for the global marketing of Spectra-Kote’s line of wax-alternative materials (marketed as WAM products) which allow corrugated box makers to produce wax-free boxes that are both functional and environmentally friendly. WAM products waterproof solid boxboard, and unlike traditional waxed corrugated boxes, can be recycled, and are therefore attractive to fruit/vegetable growers and retailers.

WAM technology uses a combination of paper additives and specific papermaking processes.