Siegwerk, a leading global provider of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, has announced the launch of CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE, a groundbreaking innovation that combines oxygen barrier performance and white ink functionality within a single printed layer.
This unique development represents a significant advancement in packaging technology, transforming barrier performance from a dedicated material layer into an integrated property of the ink itself.
Setting a New Standard: Barrier Protection and Design in One Step
Traditional packaging structures typically require separate layers to deliver oxygen protection and white opacity, increasing material usage, complexity, and processing requirements. CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE eliminates this compromise by integrating both functions into a single, inline-applied ink layer.
Key benefits include:
- High oxygen barrier performance (OTR < 5 cc/m²/day at 50% RH)
- Bright white, opaque finish for premium print quality
- One-pass application using standard gravure and flexographic printing processes
By combining these functionalities, converters can replace two separate layers with one, simplifying packaging structures while maintaining performance.
Introducing a New Category: Barrier Inks
With the launch of CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE, Siegwerk continues to advance its vision of Barrier Inks—a new technological category where barrier functionality is embedded directly into the ink rather than added through separate material layers.
The company previously introduced CIRKIT GREASEBAR WHITE, which combined grease barrier properties with white ink functionality. CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE expands this concept by delivering oxygen barrier performance alongside high-opacity white coverage.
This innovation enables converters to transform conventional backing white into a functional barrier layer and apply barrier properties inline during printing, eliminating the need for additional process steps.
Designed for the Future of Sustainable Packaging
As the packaging industry faces increasing pressure to simplify structures and improve recyclability, CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE offers a compelling solution.
The technology enables:
- Replacement of conventional oxygen barrier materials such as EVOH, PVdC, aluminum foil, and metallized films in applications where additional moisture barriers are not required
- Simplified mono-material packaging structures that support design-for-recycling initiatives
- Reduced material consumption and improved resource efficiency
At the same time, converters can maintain print quality, production efficiency, and operational continuity using existing printing equipment.
Operational Benefits Beyond Barrier Performance
In addition to integrating barrier functionality, CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE offers several operational advantages:
- Visual quality control: White pigmentation allows immediate verification of coating coverage
- Higher productivity potential: Optimized formulation supports higher press speeds compared to conventional water-based coatings
- Lower total applied cost: Reduced layers, process steps, and material requirements
Together, these benefits help lower technical complexity, reduce overall system costs, and make high-performance barrier packaging more accessible and scalable.
Industry Perspective
"With CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE, we are redefining what an ink can do," said Gilles Le Moigne, Head of Circular Economy Coatings at Siegwerk. "By combining oxygen barrier and white ink performance in a single layer, we eliminate complexity and open new possibilities for circular packaging design."
The launch of CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE marks another step toward a future where functional inks play a central role in delivering packaging performance, enabling printing to become an active contributor to both product protection and sustainable packaging design.