Advancing Sustainable Packaging with Industrial-Scale Roll-to-Roll Coating Technologies

Presented by Jan Hesse, Fraunhofer FEP

The Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP is a leading research and development partner in the field of surface functionalization and thin-film technologies. In this presentation, we will introduce the institute’s capabilities with a focus on our roll-to-roll (R2R) technologies, which enable high-throughput, continuous processing of flexible substrates.

A central topic will be the industrial scalability of our coating tools and processes, which are designed to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and commercial manufacturing. We will highlight our expertise in vacuum-based deposition processes and machinery, including electron beam evaporation and plasma-enhanced processes, tailored for large-area applications.

Special emphasis will be placed on the application of these technologies in the development of sustainable packaging solutions. In particular, we will explore the use of transparent inorganic barrier layers which offer excellent moisture and oxygen barrier properties while maintaining recyclability and optical clarity. These materials are key enablers for replacing multi-layer plastic films with more environmentally friendly mono-material alternatives.