Many packaged foods contain mineral oils, which are potentially unsafe for human consumption. Finnish company Walki has developed Mineral Oil Safe Technology (MOST), an efficient extrusion coating that keeps mineral oil away from our food.
“Mineral oil contains Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbon (MOAH), which is especially harmful to humans because our systems can’t break it down. It accumulates inside our bodies when we eat food that contains MOAH,” says Mirka Nevala, Walki’s VP for Business Development.
MOSH (Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbon) and MOAH (Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbon) are commonly used in industrial inks and can sometimes be found in printing dyes for packaging materials. According to a study published by Dr. Koni Grob et al. and the Swiss Official Food Control Authority, dry food runs a significant risk of mineral oil contamination originating from recycled fibre-based packaging materials.
Walki has developed Walki Pack MOST (Mineral Oil Safe Technology), a polymer laminate packaging product that provides the most effective barrier of its kind against mineral-oil contamination. In addition to shutting out grease and water, this glueable, sealable and recyclable packaging solution also provides a secure polymer barrier against mineral oil contamination.
Walki Pack MOST creates a barrier against other unwelcome substances, such as Benzophenone, Bisphenol A, DIPN and softeners, which could be found in recycled fibres. It also prevents cross contamination from other transport packaging. Walki Pack MOST has been approved for direct food contact, in accordance with EU directive 10/2011.
“This product will enable the food-packing industry to solve the growing issue of contaminated food,” explains Stefan Erdmann, Technical Service & Development Manager for Walki’s Barrier Board products.