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Executive Summary: Which are the Top 10 Barrier Packaging Solutions to Watch?
- PakItGreen (US) – develops recyclable, water-based paper barrier coatings that replace single-use plastics while integrating seamlessly into existing production lines.
- OPG BioSolutions (India) – creates bio-based emulsions for sustainable chemical coatings that deliver moisture and grease resistance without petroleum-derived additives.
- Green Packaging Solutions (Hong Kong) – produces multilayer compostable capsules for coffee and tea that preserve freshness and fully decompose without microplastics.
- NextGenPaper (Germany) – manufactures deforestation-free paper packaging from recycled fibers and agricultural waste with natural barriers against moisture and grease.
- Searo Labs (UK) – formulates seaweed-powered smart materials for biodegradable films and coatings that combine barrier properties with sensor capabilities.
- Lennart Group (Netherlands) – builds precision machinery for applying biodegradable, water-based barrier coatings onto paper substrates to replace plastic laminates.
- Terram Lab (US) – provides plastic-free, water-based coating technologies that deliver barrier protection while maintaining compostability and recyclability.
- Arms Preservation (US) – produces multi-layer barrier films with anti-corrosion properties for safe, residue-free storage of firearms and ammunition.
- Greenskn (India) – offers plant-based edible coatings from agricultural waste that extend produce shelf life and reduce food spoilage without refrigeration.
- Kalpana Systems (Netherlands) – uses Superspatial ALD technology to create ultra-thin, recyclable barrier coatings for flexible packaging with atomic precision.
Global Startup Heat Map highlights Emerging Barrier Packaging Solutions to Watch
Through the Big Data & Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering over 7M+ startups, 20K+ technology trends plus 150M+ patents, news articles & market reports, we identified 10 barrier packaging companies.
The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights emerging barrier packaging solutions you should watch in 2026, as well as the geo-distribution of 220+ startups & scaleups we analyzed for this research.
According to our data, we observe high startup activity in the US and India, followed by the UK. The top 5 startup hubs for barrier packaging are Bangalore, London, Dubai, Sydney, and Mumbai.
Meet Emerging Barrier Packaging Solutions to Watch in 2026
We hand-picked startups to showcase in this report by filtering for their technology, founding year, location, funding, and other metrics. These emerging barrier packaging startups work on solutions ranging from paper barrier coatings and sustainable chemical coatings to plastic-free coating technology and ultra-thin barrier coatings.
1. PakItGreen
- Founding Year: 2023
- Location: East Lansing, Michigan, US
- Use For: Paper-based Barrier Coatings
PakItGreen provides paper barrier coatings that improve the protective qualities of paper, paperboard, and molded fiber products. It develops coatings that effectively block moisture, oil, and oxygen. These coatings enable traditional paper materials to function similarly to plastic while still being recyclable and biodegradable.
Moreover, the startup ensures smooth integration into current production lines without requiring a substantial capital investment. It applies these water-based and compostable coatings using standard coating and converting equipment.
It also provides customized solutions that offer durability for a range of packaging requirements, from meal wraps to takeout containers.
2. OPG BioSolutions
- Founding Year: 2023
- Location: Sonipat, India
- Use For: Sustainable Chemical Coatings
OPG BioSolutions produces environmentally friendly chemical coatings that improve barrier performance for food and paper packaging. It creates bio-based emulsions that form strong protective layers against moisture, grease, and temperature changes without using additives produced from petroleum.
The startup uses proprietary formulation procedures to ensure that its coatings stick to a variety of paper substrates. This offers longevity and preserves package integrity even under high heat.
3. Green Packaging Solutions
- Founding Year: 2023
- Location: Hong Kong
- Use For: Moisture & Oxygen Barriers
Green Packaging Solutions makes multilayer capsules that offer certified BPI-approved substitutes for single-use plastic coffee and tea pods. It uses co-injection molding technology to produce capsules with several biodegradable layers. This enables moisture and oxygen barriers to preserve the freshness and flavor of drinks.
The capsules function similarly to their plastic counterparts, yet they completely break down in industrial composting facilities without producing microplastics. Its patented designs ensure compatibility with common co-packing equipment that are used by beverage companies and co-packers.
4. NextGenPaper
- Founding Year: 2021
- Location: Murnau am Staffelsee, Germany
- Use For: Plastic-like Barrier Coating
NextGenPaper formulates NEXTGENPAPER (NGP), which is a paper packaging solution enhanced with a patented dispersion coating. It offers plastic-like barrier performance while remaining fully recyclable through standard paper waste channels.
The material preserves food and consumer goods by offering moisture and grease resistance through its natural barrier coatings, without artificial laminates. Its packaging offers brands and retailers a drop-in substitute for plastic pouches, trays, and wrappers by blending with current printing and conversion lines.
5. Searo Labs
- Founding Year: 2022
- Location: Cambridgeshire, UK
- Use For: Seaweed-based Barrier Substitute
Searo Labs produces seaweed-based smart materials that offer a natural barrier substitute for traditional plastics. It creates flexible films and coatings that are breathable and resistant to moisture and grease. It does so by combining bioactive components extracted from sustainably harvested seaweed with other plant-based biopolymers.
The smart material serves as an alternative for single-use plastic wraps, pouches, and liners in food and consumer goods packaging. Additionally, Searo Labs incorporates sensor functionality into its smart films. This allows for increased shelf life and freshness monitoring without the need for artificial additives.
Want to Explore 220+ Barrier Packaging Startups & Scaleups?
6. Lennart Group
- Founding Year: 2021
- Location: Roosendaal, Netherlands
- Use For: Ecosafe Barrier Coating
Lennart Group creates the Ecosafe Barrier Coating Machine. It removes the need for plastic laminates in packaging by applying environmentally friendly barrier coatings to paper and board.
The machine employs precision engineering to evenly apply water-based, biodegradable coatings to substrates that prevent gas, oil, and moisture penetration without compromising recyclability.
The Ecosafe Barrier Coating Machine supports a variety of paper grades and packaging forms for converters serving culinary, retail, and industrial clients.
7. Terram Lab
- Founding Year: 2023
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona, US
- Use For: Water-based Coatings
Terram Lab creates plastic-free coating technology that provides barrier protection for food packaging. It creates proprietary water-based coatings without petroleum-derived polymers and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These coatings adhere well to paper and fiber substrates to prevent the infiltration of moisture, grease, and oil.
Credit: Terram Lab
The coating maintains flexibility and durability through precise application methods, without adding layers that impede industrial composting or recyclability at end-of-life. Additionally, Terram Lab’s solution works with a variety of food contact formats, from takeout containers to bakery wraps.
8. Arms Preservation
- Founding Year: 2021
- Location: Rochester, New York, USA
- Use For: Barriers for Firearm & Ammunition Storage
Arms Preservation produces barriers that prevent corrosion on firearms and ammunition during extended storage. This involves hunting off-season or during periods of ammo shortages. The packaging is also suitable for short-term storage.
It incorporates multi-layer barrier films with inherent anti-corrosion qualities to produce a stable microenvironment. This prevents moisture and oxygen from reaching metal surfaces without adding oils or residues.
The preservation storage solution protects the integrity of various weapon components. Each storage bag seals quickly and maintains its protective properties without damaging stocks, grips, optics, powders, primers, or metal finishes.
Additionally, the packaging meets military requirements for safe storage, ensuring dependability and durability in a variety of climatic circumstances. Thus, Arms Preservation enables gun owners to maintain their equipment rust-free and operational at all times.
9. Greenskn
- Founding Year: 2021
- Location: Bangalore, India
- Use For: Plant-based Protective Layer
Greenskn creates a protective covering made of plants. This covering prolongs the shelf life of fresh produce and addresses post-harvest food waste at its source.
It uses natural extracts and compounds from agricultural waste to manufacture this edible coating. It forms an invisible barrier that prevents oxidation and moisture loss while preserving the texture and flavor of the fruit or vegetable.
The coating is compatible with current handling and storage systems across supply chains. It is easy to apply after harvest and does not require extra refrigeration or chemical preservatives.
Additionally, the protective layer reduces reliance on expensive cold storage and plastic packaging, particularly in areas without strong infrastructure.
10. Kalpana Systems
- Founding Year: 2021
- Location: Delft, Netherlands
- Use For: Ultra-thin Barrier Coatings
Kalpana Systems‘ Superspatial ALD technology converts atomic layer deposition into a high-throughput, roll-to-roll solution that is used to produce ultra-thin barrier coatings.
It applies precise atomic layers onto flexible substrates by using a special helical web transport method that deposits intricate multi-layer films in a single production pass.
The technology also allows manufacturers to produce recyclable packaging with strong gas and moisture barriers without using traditional plastic laminates.
Discover All Emerging Packaging Startups
The packaging startups showcased in this report are only a small sample of all startups we identified through our data-driven startup scouting approach. Download our free Packaging Innovation Report for a broad overview of the industry or get in touch for quick & exhaustive research on the latest technologies & emerging solutions that will impact your company in 2026!
