Greiner Packaging’s inert barrier technology won the Swiss Packaging Institute’s award for outstanding performance in the packaging technology category. The technology, called ibt, makes it possible to extend the shelf life of foods in plastic containers without using ultra-high-temperature processing or adding preservatives.

The process involves applying a coating to plastic cups that acts as a barrier layer to minimize migration between the fill material and the packaging; it also protects the fill material from outside influences. The cups are placed into a chamber where a vacuum is created. Oxygen and gas containing silicon are then fed into the chamber, and a plasma is created using an electrode. The resulting silicon oxide coating is chemically inert and sharply reduces oxygen and hydrogen permeability. The silicon oxide coating can be used in cups made of highly transparent materials without affecting their transparency. Additionally, the longer shelf life can help reduce unnecessary food waste, and the coating does not cause any disposal or recycling issues.