hubergroup launches Gecko Varnish to boost heat resistance of recyclable BOPE films

USA – hubergroup Print Solutions has unveiled its latest innovation aimed at revolutionizing sustainable packaging.

The new Gecko 2-Component Varnish 70GL426590 significantly enhances the heat resistance of biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) films — a critical development that could expand the industrial application of this recyclable material.

BOPE films are widely praised for their recyclability, but their low heat resistance has long posed challenges in processing and application.

hubergroup’s new varnish addresses this limitation by increasing the films’ heat tolerance from 120°C to 160°C, unlocking new potential for sustainable flexible packaging.

With its enhanced heat resistance, BOPE can now be processed more efficiently and is better suited for pouch packaging, a previously difficult segment due to temperature constraints.

The varnish also broadens the processing window, reducing the risk of the material sticking to sealing jaws and enabling higher machine cycle rates — a clear productivity advantage for converters and brand owners.

“The Gecko 2-Component Varnish delivers not just greater temperature stability but also opens the door to new, sustainable packaging formats,” the company said in a statement.

“It’s a game changer for circular packaging.”

High-performance varnish for demanding conditions

Designed for both flexographic and gravure printing, hubergroup’s new ethanol-based Gecko 2-Component Varnish offers an impressive combination of functional and aesthetic benefits tailored to the demands of modern packaging.

One of its standout features is deep freeze resistance, which ensures that packaging maintains its structural integrity even under ultra-low temperatures — an essential requirement for frozen food and pharmaceutical products.

In addition, the varnish delivers superior ink adhesion, preserving vibrant, high-quality print finishes that remain intact through storage, transport, and handling.

The varnish also provides exceptional scratch and rub resistance, significantly reducing the risk of wear and tear during the packaging lifecycle.

This durability makes it well-suited for supply chains where packaging is subjected to frequent friction and movement.

Further enhancing its protective qualities, the varnish offers outstanding water and solvent resistance, shielding the printed surface from moisture exposure and chemical interactions.

This ensures that packaging remains legible, attractive, and safe under various environmental conditions.

Finally, the Gecko varnish features a high-gloss finish that boosts products’ visual appeal and shelf presence—a valuable asset for brands competing in crowded retail spaces.

The varnish is NC-free, aligning with anticipated regulatory shifts focused on recyclability and food safety.

It is also suitable for food and beverage packaging and meets legal standards when printed on the non-food contact side, provided manufacturers and fillers conduct final migration testing.

Sustainability in action

In a practical demonstration, a BOPE film containing recycled polyethylene — printed with Gecko 70GL426590 — was successfully formed into a pouch as part of the PlastikBOND project led by Germany’s Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) at RWTH Aachen University.

The project showcases the material’s potential in contributing to circular packaging systems.

This latest launch further reinforces hubergroup’s commitment to sustainable innovation, offering a forward-thinking solution for brands aiming to reduce their environmental impact without compromising performance.

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