Coatings for substrates used in the packaging industry have recently undergone a substantial
transformation with the push to promote environmentally friendly or “green” products. This
distinct change of direction has transcended from non-renewable materials derived from fossil
fuels which are pollutants to bio-based renewable-resource-derived products which, in
comparison, drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and hazardous waste. This shift
has already been witnessed in the food packaging industry and now the automotive, cosmetic
and other packaging industries are following in its path. This paper discusses the
advancement of environmentally friendly VpCI-containing coatings that have allowed for the
development of novel VpCI packaging products. The products discussed include grease
resistant and water resistant papers, cohesive film, anti-skid linerboard, and masking film.
Each of these products is environmentally friendly having been constructed from nonhazardous,
water-based coatings, which in some cases provided biodegradable and bio-based
products. In addition to their unique physical properties each of these products provides
excellent multi-metal corrosion protection. Test methods employed in assessing the
performance of the materials will be discussed including physical properties, as well as
contact-, barrier- and vapor-phase corrosion inhibiting abilities. The advantages provided
using these products will be demonstrated through real-life field applications.
Keywords: Vapor-phase corrosion inhibitor, packaging, environmentally friendly, grease
resistant, water resistant, cohesive film, masking film, anti-skid linerboard