RDM Group has launched Multiboard® Barrier, a polyethylene-coated cartonboard designed for industrial applications requiring moisture and grease resistance. The product addresses regulatory pressure to reduce plastic waste whilst maintaining packaging performance standards.

Product Specifications

Multiboard® Barrier comprises 100% recycled fibres with a PE coating representing 3-5% of the total structure, depending on grammage. The coating provides essential barrier properties including water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) control and oil and grease resistance (OGR).

The material is manufactured in grammages from 280 gsm to 500 gsm, available in both reels and sheets. Optional finishes, colours and surface treatments enable customisation for specific applications.

Industrial Applications

The product targets applications where pure fibre packaging proves insufficient, including frozen food packaging, powdered goods such as household detergents, pet food packaging, and moisture-sensitive industrial products.

The PE layer functions as a heat-sealable surface, eliminating requirements for additional adhesives or complex laminates that complicate recycling processes.

Regulatory Compliance

Multiboard® Barrier aligns with the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) through its reduced plastic fraction and certified recyclability. The product meets current industry recycling standards and methodologies.

Krzysztof Krajewski, RDM Group's chief innovation and sustainability officer, stated: "Multiboard® Barrier integrates minimal plastic use into a fibre-based board structure, optimising both functionality and recyclability."

Manufacturing Process

RDM Group operates a closed-loop system as both producer and recycler of PE-coated cartonboard. This integrated approach maintains oversight of the product lifecycle whilst improving efficiency and sustainability outcomes.

In 2024, the company recovered nearly 90% of pulper rejects where plastic represented the dominant component, supporting progress towards long-term sustainability targets.

Market Positioning

The product addresses the industrial packaging sector's requirement for moisture-resistant materials whilst meeting environmental regulations. The minimal plastic content maintains barrier properties necessary for sensitive applications without compromising recyclability.

RDM Group's integrated production and recycling capabilities distinguish the product from conventional PE-coated boards, providing supply chain transparency and quality control throughout the material lifecycle.

Technical Performance

The PE coating delivers specific technical benefits including heat-sealable properties for packaging machinery compatibility, moisture barrier protection for sensitive contents, grease resistance for food applications, and structural integrity during processing and transport.

The recycled fibre base provides mechanical strength whilst the minimal plastic coating adds essential barrier functionality without significantly increasing environmental impact.