Aimed to bring in sustainability for brand owners and converters, DIC launched water-based barrier coatings SunSys, Sunstar and Hydbar to improve oxygen barrier and sealing properties of paper or a polyolefin structure. Utsab Choudhary of DIC shares insights with Aditya Ghosalkar of WhatPackaging?

WhatPackaging? (WP): What does DIC water-based barrier coating do?

Utsab Choudhary (UC): Water based barrier coatings are typically of two types; one which is for plasticisation of paper - to improve its moisture and sealing properties. The other is to improve mono-material structures by improving the oxygen barrier in polyolefin structures.

WP: When was it launched in India?

UC: It was launched in 2023 for trials. India is moving towards sustainable packaging. We interacted with brand owners and converters and found that they are looking for sustainability. Hence, we introduced water-based coatings, which will take a long time for validation.

WP: How does DIC meet the demands of customers?

UC: We go through multiple discussion points with customers to understand the needs. In India, we have a lot of variation in substrates and processes, and we support optimising parameters to provide best results. We also support customers for testing and share results using our global expertise.

WP: What is the target market(s)? Is this coating compatible across all print processes?

UC: We have barrier coatings that can be used on gravure, offset and flexo applications. There are also other methods like rod coating and dip coating which are not popular in India.

WP: What kind of substrates can it handle?

UC: We have specialised coatings for different types of substrates like paper, polyolefin, and AloX films. It depends on the specific need of the customer and we can offer solutions like OTR, MVTR, oil, water or grease resistance, and DFC coatings.

WP: What kind of manufacturing compliance does DIC follow in India, in this regard?

UC: DIC India is doing trial validation using a global proven product portfolio. Once we start manufacturing in India, we will follow global guidelines followed by our group company.

WP: What is the USP?

UC: Barrier coatings of Sun-DIC is a proven technology that is acceptable in global markets. Products are developed through dedicated research by scientists working more than a decade.

WP: How is the response from the market?

UC: We are currently working with 8-10 major converters and 3-4 brand owners.

WP: One message you would like to share with the industry?

UC: Sustainability is a journey and DIC-Sun would support our industry in every step of the way. Global converters and brand owners are taking steps to promote sustainability, DIC-Sun will take active participation and offer sustainable solutions.

Contact: Utsab Choudhary & Kamakshi Christopher | sales@dic.co.in