Food packaging today is more than just an outer layer of protection. It determines shelf life, product safety, and overall value. Among many materials, EVOH and PA stand out as two leading options. They differ in barrier performance, mechanical strength, and cost. So, which one is more suitable for your business needs?
OVERVIEW OF EVOH AND PA
EVOH, short for Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol, is one of the most effective barrier polymers available. Thanks to this property, EVOH is widely used as a middle layer in multilayer packaging structures. It helps prevent oxygen, CO₂, and moisture from penetrating food products. PA, also known as Polyamide or Nylon, is recognized for its outstanding mechanical strength and heat resistance. This material has been widely applied across industries, including food packaging. PA is well-suited for products requiring high-temperature resistance or strong impact protection.
DETAILED COMPARISON BETWEEN EVOH AND PA
To better understand their differences, see the comparison table below:
| Criteria | EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) | PA (Polyamide, Nylon) |
| Gas barrier | Very high – among the best barrier materials | Medium – better than PE/PP but weaker than EVOH |
| Moisture uptake | High – reduces barrier efficiency when absorbed | High – affects mechanical performance |
| Mechanical strength | Medium, brittle, needs lamination | Very good, tough, excellent impact resistance |
| Sealability | Poor, requires lamination | Medium, sealable under proper conditions |
| Heat resistance | Medium, around 170°C | Good, up to 220–250°C |
| Printability | Good, smooth surface for printing | Poor, needs corona treatment for adhesion |
| Applications | Vacuum packaging, fresh food, long shelf-life packs | Freezer bags, retort pouches, impact-resistant packs |
| Weaknesses | Moisture-sensitive, costly, difficult to recycle | High moisture absorption, dimension changes, low recyclability |
EVOH VS. PA – WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Both materials have distinct advantages. If the main goal is extended preservation and oxygen protection, EVOH is the superior choice. It is especially suited for vacuum packaging and export products with long shelf life. If your priority is mechanical strength and heat resistance, PA is the better option. It is widely used for frozen food bags, high-temperature pouches, and transport packaging requiring toughness.
In many cases, businesses do not choose one over the other. Instead, EVOH and PA are combined in multilayer packaging. EVOH ensures excellent barrier protection, while PA contributes durability and thermal stability. Together, they create packaging that is both safe and efficient.
Explore Vichem’s officially distributed EVOH products here.
FOOD PACKAGING TRENDS TODAY
The food packaging industry is moving toward sustainability and recyclability. Although EVOH and PA are difficult to recycle when laminated, they remain widely used due to their superior performance. Current research focuses on developing eco-friendly multilayer structures that balance functionality with reduced environmental impact. Multilayer packaging continues to dominate premium food applications. EVOH remains indispensable for long-term preservation. PA, meanwhile, holds its place in packaging that requires mechanical strength and resistance to extreme temperatures.
VICHEM – OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR OF CERTIFIED CHEMICAL ADDITIVES IN VIETNAM
Vichem is a trusted distributor of certified chemical additives in Vietnam. We provide not only high-quality products but also international-standard after-sales services. Our services include:
- Consulting support: Helping customers choose the right materials for their printing technology and packaging needs.
- Color testing: Our experts perform trials to ensure print results meet design standards.
- Practical application support: We assist customers in integrating additives into their production lines for maximum efficiency.
For more details about our EVOH products and other chemical additives, please contact us:
📞 Hotline: 08 1790 1790
📧 Email: contact@vichem.vn
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🌐 Website: www.vichem.vn
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