Exceval: The Next-Generation Water-Soluble Polymer Transforming Industrial

Exceval is a high-performance, modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) developed by Kuraray to meet the growing demand for sustainable, efficient, and versatile polymers. Known for its outstanding barrier properties, excellent water resistance (in specific grades), superior film-forming ability, and exceptional adhesion, Exceval has become a preferred solution across industries such as paper, packaging, construction, textiles, and specialty coatings. As global markets move toward eco-friendly materials, Exceval stands out as an advanced option that delivers performance without compromising environmental responsibility.

1. What Is Exceval?

Exceval is a family of ethylene-modified polyvinyl alcohol (EVOH-modified PVOH) resins engineered to offer a unique balance of water solubility, flexibility, and barrier functionality. Unlike standard PVOH, which is highly water-soluble and sensitive to moisture, Exceval is designed to maintain its key physical properties even under humid conditions. This makes it ideal for applications that require water resistance, durability, and reliable performance over time.

Exceval grades vary in ethylene content, viscosity, degree of polymerization, and film behavior, allowing manufacturers to select the perfect grade for specific applications. Its versatility and consistent quality have made it a trusted material globally.

1. Key Properties of Exceval

Exceval’s popularity is driven by a combination of advanced technical properties, including:

1. Excellent Barrier Performance

One of the standout features of Exceval is its exceptional barrier against oxygen, grease, oil, and solvents. This makes it valuable for packaging materials where protecting the product from degradation is essential. Food packaging, medical packaging, and high-barrier lamination films commonly utilize Exceval for this reason.

1. Improved Water Resistance

Unlike traditional PVOH, Exceval offers enhanced water resistance, especially in humid environments. This characteristic is achieved through ethylene modification, which adds hydrophobic elements to the polymer chain while maintaining good film-forming capability.

1. Strong Film-Forming Ability

Exceval forms strong, flexible, and transparent films that adhere well to various substrates. These films are ideal for packaging, coatings, and protective layers.

1. Eco-Friendly Composition

Exceval is non-toxic, biodegradable, and compliant with numerous food-contact safety regulations. Its reduced environmental impact makes it an excellent choice for sustainable packaging and other green solutions.

1. High Adhesion Strength

The polymer adheres exceptionally well to paper, textiles, plastic films, and metal surfaces, which broadens its applications across multiple industries.

1. Major Applications of Exceval

Due to its unique composition and outstanding performance, Exceval is used in diverse industrial sectors.

1. Food and Industrial Packaging

Exceval is widely used as a barrier coating on flexible packaging materials. For food products that require extended shelf life, the polymer significantly reduces oxygen transmission and prevents grease penetration. It is commonly applied on:

• Paper packaging
• Flexible films
• Carton boards
• Lamination layers

In addition, Exceval is compatible with extrusion and coating processes, making it versatile in large-scale packaging production.

1. Paper and Paperboard Coatings

In the paper industry, Exceval improves surface strength, printability, and resistance to oils and moisture. It can be used in packaging papers, food-contact boards, and specialty printing papers.

Its application enhances paper durability while allowing manufacturers to reduce reliance on synthetic or petroleum-based coatings.

1. Construction Materials

Exceval serves as a key ingredient in construction chemicals such as cement additives, mortar modifiers, and architectural coatings. Its superior adhesion, flexibility, and water resistance contribute to improved bonding strength and long-term performance.

1. Textile and Fabric Finishing

In textiles, Exceval is used for warp sizing, fabric strengthening, and coating applications. Its ability to form smooth, flexible films helps protect yarn during weaving, reducing breakage and improving fabric quality.

1. Water-Soluble and Controlled-Solubility Films

Exceval can be formulated into films with adjustable solubility. These films are used in:

• Detergent pods
• Agrochemical packaging
• Temporary protective coatings
• Laundry bags for hospitals

Controlled solubility ensures safety, cleanliness, and convenience.

1. Adhesives and Binders

With its excellent adhesion and film strength, Exceval is used in adhesives for paper lamination, wood, and specialty coatings. It also functions as a binder in ceramics, pigments, and battery materials, providing mechanical strength and uniform distribution.

1. Advantages Over Traditional PVOH

While standard PVOH remains widely used, Exceval introduces several strategic advantages:

• Higher resistance to humidity
• Better mechanical strength under wet conditions
• Superior barrier properties against oils and gases
• Enhanced flexibility and film durability
• Greater compatibility with industrial coatings and inks

These improvements allow Exceval to perform reliably in harsher or variable environments where normal PVOH may fail.

1. Sustainability and Environmental Benefits

As industries seek greener materials, Exceval supports sustainability goals in multiple ways:

• Biodegradable and non-toxic
• Helps reduce plastic content in packaging
• Supports recycling processes
• Compliant with global regulations, including FDA and EU food safety standards

Its use contributes to lower environmental impact while maintaining the quality and performance demanded by manufacturers.

1. Future Outlook: Why Exceval Is Gaining Global Demand

With increasing focus on recyclable and compostable packaging, Exceval is becoming a preferred polymer for brand owners and manufacturers. Its advanced functionality helps bridge the gap between sustainability and high-performance packaging.

Additionally, emerging applications such as water-soluble films for pharmaceuticals, lithium-ion battery binders, and eco-friendly adhesives are expected to accelerate Exceval’s adoption.