Selvol Ultiloc 5003, a High-Performance Barrier Coating for Flexible Packaging
Manufacturers need packaging barrier coatings that hold up through humidity, converting and recycling tests. Selvol™ Ultiloc 5003 solves that challenge with reliable adhesion and oxygen protection in one polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH/PVA) based copolymer.
It adheres strongly to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) films, strengthening the shift to fully recyclable mono-material films. Its low-temperature solubility helps you coat, convert and laminate films with fewer layers.
Ultiloc 5003 also supports paperization goals with a water-based, biodegradable coating approach. Part of the Ultiloc family, it’s today’s answer to tomorrow’s flexible packaging demands.
Key Advantages for Flexible Packaging Applications
SEKISUI develops every Ultiloc grade with one goal: dependable performance in robust real-world packaging. Here’s what these properties mean for your formulations:
- Barrier performance. Stronger gas barrier and improved film formation at humidity.
- Processing efficiency. Low-temp solubility, balanced viscosity, fewer laminate layers.
- Versatility. Adheres to multiple substrates (PP, PE, PLA, metallized films, glass, wood).
- Sustainability. Water-soluble, low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, recyclable.
These characteristics matter most when coatings are pushed to real-world limits. Here’s why Ultiloc 5003 stays reliable where standard PVOH can’t.
Why Ultiloc 5003 Delivers Reliable Barrier Performance
Ultiloc 5003 retains a stable oxygen barrier under moist conditions and tough production environments. That consistency helps protect packaged goods and simplifies film composition.
Its copolymer structure limits the barrier loss seen with standard PVOH, retaining OTR values through roughly 65% relative humidity.
High adhesion to PP and PE films strengthens interlayer bonds and reduces the need for additional bonding layers. This balance of humidity tolerance and adhesion delivers recyclable mono-material packaging.
Ultiloc 5003’s stability during coating and drying ensures consistent run performance.
Ultiloc 5003 maintains a stronger oxygen barrier on oriented polypropylene (OPP) compared to Selvol 107.
Ultiloc 5003 Product Highlights
Selvol Ultiloc 5003 offers clear advantages for flex packaging:
- Excellent OTR performance on biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) structures. It delivers stable barrier protection during storage and transport.
- Adhesion suited to vapor metallization for ultra-high-barrier laminates. Ultiloc 5003’s surface energy supports uniform metal layer deposition and consistent adhesion throughout the process.
- Viable alternative to polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC) and ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) in barrier applications. You get greener, cost-efficient barrier structures.
These advantages make Ultiloc 5003 a smart replacement for traditional barrier polymers.
Ultiloc 5003 outperforms other PVOH grades on BOPP and PVdC.
Where Ultiloc 5003 Performs Best
Ultiloc 5003 adapts easily to your existing flexible packaging lines. These examples show how it performs across different materials and goals:
- PP/PE mono-material films. Coatings have improved barrier and adhesion with circular design in mind.
- Metallized film stacks. High surface energy aids vapor metallization and aluminum foil-replacement.
- Biopolymers and paper substrates. Ultiloc 5003 coatings deliver excellent oxygen and grease barriers on PLA and fiber materials, advancing paperization and compostable formats.
Ultiloc-coated film shows a significant reduction in OTR, maintaining barrier integrity at both 0% and 50% relative humidity.
One copolymer, many possibilities: Ultiloc 5003 supports recyclable mono-materials, ultra-high-barrier packaging and emerging biopolymer films.
Test Results: Proven Performance and Processing Advantages
Testing confirms Ultiloc 5003 outperforms standard PVOH where it matters most: barrier retention and adhesion.
Ultiloc 5003 vs. Standard PVOH
See how Ultiloc 5003 compares to standard PVOH in the qualities that most affect coating reliability and production efficiency.
| Property | Standard PVOH | Ultiloc 5003 | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen barrier at 65% RH | Barrier drop above ~50% RH | Maintains OTR through ~65% RH | Reliable high-humidity protection |
| Adhesion to PP/PE films | Moderate | Excellent interlayer adhesion | Supports mono-material designs |
| Metallization adhesion | Variable | Strong, uniform after deposition | Enables ultra-barrier laminates |
| Dissolution behavior | Conventional | Quick dissolution, low-temp solubility | Faster prep and throughput |
| Coating consistency | Standard | Stable viscosity in working range | Consistent quality on press |
Peel Test Results: Adhesion Performance
The peel test confirms Ultiloc 5003’s stronger film adhesion compared with standard PVOH. That higher bond strength enables reliable metallization, lamination and conversion without added tie layers.
It demonstrates how Ultiloc polymer crosslinking creates durable, flexible coatings for barrier packaging.
Ultiloc 5003 shows significantly higher relative adhesion even against trusted Selvol grades.
These results confirm consistent barrier and adhesion performance through each production stage.
Comparing PVdC, EVOH and Ultiloc 5003 Barrier Options
If you rely on PVdC or EVOH for barrier protection, you know trade-offs can mean cost, recyclability and processing limits. Ultiloc 5003 offers a high-performance, aqueous copolymer alternative that streamlines production while promoting eco-conscious films.
| Barrier Material | Recyclability | Process Complexity | Moisture Sensitivity | Takeaways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVdC | Low | Moderate | Low | High barrier; limited recyclability |
| EVOH | Moderate | High; tie layers required | High | Moisture-limited barrier |
| Ultiloc 5003 | High | Low | Moderate | Water-based copolymer; enables recyclable, high-barrier coatings |
Ultiloc 5003 delivers the barrier performance of PVdC or EVOH with simpler, more sustainable processing.
The following commercial specifications outline Ultiloc 5003’s characteristics for packaging coating formulations.
Commercial specifications for Ultiloc 5003 present consistent viscosity, pH and controlled ash and volatile content.
Contact SEKISUI for Technical Support or Samples
Building on the proven performance of Selvol™ PVOH, Ultiloc 5003 delivers distinct advantages for flexible packaging, verified through rigorous testing.
SEKISUI Specialty Chemicals is committed to advancing sustainability and serving customers across diverse applications.
Contact SEKISUI for more information, or request samples to try Ultiloc 5003 for yourself. Premade solutions are available for speed.
Reach out to our expert Technical Service Team. They’ll provide practical advice and help you determine how Ultiloc 5003 can enhance your packaging products.