General
Mitsubishi Chemical unveils paper coating with superior oil & gas barrier properties
The innovation uses SoarnoL, MCC’s proprietary ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer
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By ICN Bureau | January 07, 2026
Examples of oil-resistant paper in use
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) has announced a breakthrough technology that transforms ordinary paper into a high-performance food packaging material with exceptional gas barrier properties and oil resistance.
The innovation uses SoarnoL, MCC’s proprietary ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer, already known for preserving food flavor and quality when used in films and sheets. “SoarnoL helps preserve food flavor and quality longer, thereby contributing to reduce food loss,” the company said.
The new coating process applies SoarnoL solution together with an anchor coating agent to create a stable barrier layer on paper substrates. This gives the paper the same gas barrier and oil-resistant properties traditionally achieved only with PFAS-based materials.
“While PFAS are commonly used to enhance the oil resistance of paper packaging materials, this new technology achieves oil resistance surpassing that of PFAS-based packaging materials even under high temperatures and folding,” MCC noted. SoarnoL also meets the strict hygiene standards required for direct food contact, making it ideal for fried chicken, hamburgers, and other fast-food packaging.
With global PFAS regulations tightening, demand for safer, PFAS-free alternatives is expected to grow. MCC plans to seek customer assessments as it targets adoption in fiscal year 2026.
The company will showcase the technology at the New Functional Materials EXPO 2026, scheduled for January 28–30 at Tokyo Big Sight.
MCC emphasized that the development aligns with its “KAITEKI Vision 35”, which identifies “food quality preservation” as a strategic focus. “By providing environmentally conscious materials that support food quality preservation, MCC will be contributing to societal sustainability,” the company said.
