Yes, EvCote PWR products are FDA approved for both direct and indirect food contact as set forth by the Federal Code of Regulations CFR 21 under the following Parts:

Part 176.170 Components of paper and paperboard in contact with aqueous and fatty foods
Part 176.180 Components of paper and paperboard in contact with dry food

The PWR series products will achieve a high degree of both water repellency as well as oil/grease barrier properties. Low moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR) and Cobb values can be achieved depending on base sheet quality and cost weight. 3M kit values of 12 can be achieved by having a continuous film applied to the surface of the substrate.

Coat weight requirements will vary depending on the base sheet quality and properties desired. Moisture repellency on glassine paper can be achieved with as little as 0.2 dry lbs/msf coat weight, while liner board requires up to 2-3 dry lbs/msf to achieve low MVTR and grease barrier properties. Improved properties can be achieved when PWR products are coated over clay or sized surfaces.

EvCote can be applied by several application methods. Air knife coating techniques have been found to be best for higher basis weight papers and liner board. The product can also be applied at the size press or water box. Rod coater applications are also used, but usually require higher coat weights when the paper surface is rough

5.  Is it safe for use with food?

Yes. EvCote has a non-objection status with the FDA, the highest level of assurance for a food shipping container.

6.  Is it strong enough to handle the food?

Yes. EvCote has been proven in rigorous testing and in real life applications to be as strong or stronger than wax coated boxes

7.  Will it run through box making equipment?

Yes. Linerboard coated with EvCote runs easily through standard box making equipment

8.  Will it hold graphics and labels?

Yes. EvCote presents a surface that is easily printed on and that adhesives can readily adhere to.

9.  Will it stack safely and squarely?

Yes. EvCote boxes stack squarely and do not require special surface coatings to prevent slippage as some wax boxes currently do.

10.  Will it sag or burst under extreme conditions?

No. Whether subjected to long delays in transit, extreme temperature changes, or rough handling during loading, EvCote boxes have proven to perform at a level that is at or better than wax.

11.  Does it weigh more than a wax box?

No. Actually, because EvCote boxes require substantially fewer pounds of coating per MSF, EvCote boxes weigh substantially less than comparable wax boxes.

12.  How expensive is it?

EvCote boxes are priced to be competitive with wax. When total life cycle costs are accounted for, using EvCote boxes is less expensive than continuing to use wax boxes.

13.  Why should I switch from wax?

For the environment AND to improve your company's bottom line.

14.  What applications can I use it for?

You can use EvCote boxes most anywhere you currently are using wax boxes.

15.  How do I find out more? What's the next step?

Ask your suppliers to give you a quote for both wax and non-wax. Give them EvCo's contact information and congratulate yourself. Your efforts will result in improvements to your company's bottom line, your environmental PR, and the natural environment!