Ciba to Market Wax Replacement Products for Corrugated Boxes

GETTYSBURG, Pa.—Ciba Specialty Chemicals has signed an agreement with Spectra-Kote Corporation of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA for the global marketing of Spectra-Kote’s line of wax-alternative materials. WAM products allow corrugated box makers to produce wax-free boxes that are both functional and environmentally friendly. This technology provides a solution to the key sustainability initiatives embraced by key brand owners. WAM products are also used to provide waterproofing characteristics to solid boxboard. And unlike traditional waxed corrugated boxes, boxes produced with WAM paper can be recycled, thus helping manage additional cost out of a grower’s or a retailer’s operations.

WAM technology is a combination of paper additives and papermaking processes that yield a non-wicking, water-resistant kraft liner. It is this liner that eliminates the need for wax.

“The increasing demand for functional, wax-free boxes is being driven by retailers as they focus on ways to improve the recyclability of packaging materials and further reduce their operating costs,” said Rainer Bersem, global head of Business Unit Specialties for Ciba’s Business Line Paper. “This new technology fits nicely into our barrier effects business strategy and product portfolio, and it allows us to work directly with papermakers and corrugators to add value to their products.”

Spectra-Kote’s President, Charles Propst, Jr., commented, “I am certain that this agreement is an excellent means to advance our technology, enhance our company’s position and improve our company’s image.”