NFinite Unveils Ultra-Thin Coating for Paper Packaging
The AP-SALD platform deposits inorganic films on paper in a continuous atmospheric process aimed at replacing plastic barriers.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Materials Science
NFinite has shared details of its AP-SALD platform, which deposits ultra-thin conformal inorganic films on paper through an atmospheric, roll-to-roll process. The company says coated paper can reach barrier performance comparable to metallized plastic multi-layers while remaining fully recyclable.
Why it matters
Paper packaging has struggled to replace plastic in many food and consumer goods because of inadequate barrier protection. Atomic Layer Deposition has so far been confined largely to specialist industries such as semiconductors and electronics, so adapting it to flexible paper substrates could broaden its reach.
The company describes its films as thinner than conventional polymer barrier layers and says continuous manufacturing at industrially relevant speeds has been demonstrated, though no speed or barrier figures were given. Independent verification of these performance claims and their durability in real packaging use has not been reported.
The players
NFinite
NFinite is a company developing atmospheric thin-film deposition technology for flexible and fiber-based packaging substrates.
Amcor
Amcor is a global packaging company that manufactures flexible and rigid packaging for food, beverage, and healthcare markets.
The details
NFinite's AP-SALD platform applies Atomic Layer Deposition principles to flexible substrates in a high-speed, atmospheric roll-to-roll process. The company has a partnership with Amcor and plans to focus on scaling production, building more partnerships, and helping brands adopt the technology in commercial quantities.
Timeline
The Sustainable Packaging Summit runs November 10 to 12, 2026, in Utrecht, Netherlands.
NFinite is a finalist in the Sustainability Awards 2026, with winners to be announced November 11, 2026, at the Summit.
The Big Picture
Atomic Layer Deposition has long been used to build precise nanometer-scale films for semiconductors, and NFinite's work extends that principle to roll-to-roll paper coating. The approach targets the same goal as the EU's push to reduce single-use plastic packaging, which has driven demand for fiber-based alternatives.
If the technology scales, brands could replace plastic barrier layers in food and consumer goods with recyclable paper-based packaging. Commercial availability timelines have not yet been disclosed.
The takeaway
Packaging brands looking to reduce plastic use should track whether ultra-thin coatings on paper can match commercial barrier requirements at production scale. Watching for independent performance data will help separate early claims from practical options.
What happens next
The Sustainability Awards 2026 winners will be announced on November 11, 2026, at the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Further reading
Explore more on Materials Science to see how new coatings are reshaping sustainable packaging.
More information
Register for the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, Netherlands, where the Sustainability Awards 2026 winners will be announced.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Packaging Europe.
