2026 TAPPI Aqueous Barrier Coating Course

Embassy Suites Atlanta Galleria
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 to Thursday, October 01, 2026

This course provides a solid foundation in the development and application of aqueous-based barrier coatings for paper and paperboard packaging. Through a practical, hands-on approach, participants will gain a clear understandingof the chemistry, application techniques, and performance attributes of these environmentally friendly coatings

TAPPI is excited to introduce its newest training offering for the 2nd time in over 10 years, the Aqueous Barrier Coating for Paper and Paperboard Course.

This comprehensive three-day program provides packaging professionals with an unmatched opportunity to build knowledge in sustainable aqueous barrier coatings, a rapidly growing field in the packaging industry.

Course Overview

This course provides a solid foundation in the development and application of aqueous-based barrier coatings for paper and paperboard packaging.

Through a series of lectures, practical discussion, and testing lab visit, participants will gain a clear understanding of chemistry, application techniques, and performance attributes of these environmentally friendly coatings.

Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career and contribute to the future of eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Register now.

Expert Instruction

This course is taught by leading experts in barrier coatings and packaging materials, blending theoretical concepts with real-world case studies. Attendees will benefit from practical insights and actionable knowledge that can be immediately applied to optimize coating formulations, improve product performance, and meet sustainability goals.

Earn 2.0 CEUs
TAPPI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). TAPPI complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, TAPPI is authorized to issue the IACET CEU.

Secure your place now to connect with industry peers, deepen your knowledge, and gain the skills needed to drive innovation in sustainable barrier coatings. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career and contribute to the future of eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Instructors: Dr. Prakash Malla and Dr. John Roper

Tentative Course Schedule (2.5 Days)

Downloadable Schedule

DAY 1

1. Introduction to Barrier Coating and Sustainability
  a. History of Packaging and Sustainability Challenges
  b. Why barrier coating
  c. Issues with the conventional barrier coatings – regulatory (health and environment), recyclability and compostability
  d. Issues with single use plastics
  e. Sustainability goals
  f. Aqueous barrier coating and Challenges

2. Barrier coating mechanisms and fundamentals
  a. Two approaches to barrier coatings - physical barrier & chemical barrier
  b. Transport mechanism through barrier coatings
  c. Key differences between liquid barrier coatings and vapor barrier coatings
  d. Overview of polymer barrier performance metrics

3. Barrier requirements for different market segments 
  a. Key market segments / short term versus long term barrier requirements
  b. Special considerations for food contact barrier coatings
  c. Fit of barrier coated fiber-based articles to replace alternative barrier packaging

4. Substrates/Base Stock for Aqueous Barrier Coating for Packaging
  a. Overview and Production Statistics (Global and N.A.) of Paper and Paperboard Grades
  b. Choice of Substrates for Barrier Coating

5. Barrier Coating Test Methods 
  a. Oil & Grease (3 M Kit and others)
  b. Water Resistance (Cobb 30/Cobb60)
  c. Water Vapor Transmission Rate
  d. Oxygen Transmission
  e. Heat seal
  f. Blocking

6. Barrier Coating Test Methods Demo at Applied Testing Lab (Atlanta) 3 PM 

DAY 2

7. Materials for Barrier Coatings
  a. Pigments 
  b. Synthetic binders 
  c. Biobased materials 

8. Barrier Coating Formulations and Additives
  a. Optimization of Barrier Coating Formulations
  b. Single vs Multilayer barrier coatings
  c. Coating Preparation

9. Potential Visit of Georgia Tech Renewable Biomaterials Institute (Lecture and Tours) 

DAY 3 (half day)

1. Barrier Coating Rheology and Application Methods
  a. Introduction to Coating Rheology, Its Effect on Application, Runnability and Performance
  b. Blade Coating
  c. Rod Coating
  d. Curtain Coating
  e. Rotogravure and Flexographic Presses

2. Coating Consolidation and Drying

3. Coating Defects and Fold Cracking Leading to Breaching of Barrier Performance- Demo and Discussion
  a. Sources for common types of coating defects
  b. Ways to detect coating defects
  c. Ways to mitigate coating defects

4. Q&A with instructor and Open Discussion 

 

Early Bird Pricing Cut-Off: September 1, 2026

Meeting Registration

On or Before Sept 1

After Sept 1 

Member

$1,670

$1,960

Join or Renew and Save

$1,865

$2,155

Young Professional under 30 Join or Renew and Save

$1,800

$2,085

Nonmember

$2,095

$2,250

Group Meeting Registration, per person (3+ people from the same location)

 

 

Member

$1,525

$1,825

Join or Renew and Save

$1,720

$2,020

Young Professional under 30 Join or Renew and Save

$1,655

$1,940

Nonmember

$1,955

$2,100

Cancellation Policy:

If you find that you have to cancel, your full registration fee will be refunded if TAPPI’s Registration Department receives written notification (fax acceptable at  +1.770.209.7206 by  (September 1, 2026).  Please note:  There will be a 50% refund for all written cancellations made after (September 1, 2026) but no later than 5 business days prior to the start of the course (September 22, 2026).  Understandably, after September 22, 2026, no refunds can be issued.  Substitutions, however, will be accepted any time without a penalty.

         

Refund:

100% - Cancellation received by (September 1, 2026)

50% -  Cancellations received after (September 1, 2026)and no later than (September 22, 2026). 

NO REFUND- Cancellations received after (September 22, 2026).   

Hotel: Embassy Suites Atlanta Galleria

2815 Akers Mill Road SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

 

 

TAPPI offers discounted pricing on TAPPI Press publications for Course attendees. Purchase with registration and receive a 15% discount (discount already applied to price at check out). Pick-up onsite and save on shipping.

These titles have been selected just for this event:

1. NEW! Pigments for Paper and Paperboard

Member Price Non-Member Price
$124.00 $152.00


This book compiles the most comprehensive information on nearly every pigment used in paper coating and filling. This text will enable the reader to understand the fundamental properties of these materials and how these properties are utilized to achieve the desired performance attributes and cost effectiveness. 


2. The Coating Processes

Member Price Non-Member Price
$102.00 $153.00


This book covers fundamentals and practical applications of paper coating. The book is divided into eight chapters that outline the process of making coated paper, the preparation, application and drying, and treatment of the dried coated surface.                       


3. Starch and Starch Products in Surface Sizing and Paper Coating

Member Price Non-Member Price
$158.00 $197.00


This book is a comprehensive overview about basic starch chemistry, starch modifications, quality control, shipment, storage, cooking, in-mill conversion, best practices of application in surface sizing and coating, and also includes the environmental aspects. 

4. Paper Coating Additives

Member Price Non-Member Price
$60.00 $90.00


This work contains in-depth coverage of nearly all major additives used in paper coating. Each chapter was written by a specialist in his/her field, and reviews chemistry, applications, and end use of each class of coating additive. An excellent reference source, this text reviews past coating industry technology and incorporates current knowledge in the field.

5. The Sizing of Paper, 3rd. Ed.

Member Price Non-Member Price
$68.00 $102.00


This edition reflects the experiences and technologies that have developed with new applications, converting to neutral or alkaline pH wet end conditions.  There are 17 chapters on topics like the chemistry of aluminum, soap size vs. dispersed size, fluorochemical sizing, and surface sizing additives, to name a few. The size press surface sizing section is expanded from the last edition to accommodate the new interest generated by the technology. 

6. Binder Migration in Paper and Paperboard Coatings

Member Price Non-Member Price
$49.00 $74.00


Nonuniform binder distribution along the surface of coated paper, called binder migration, is a problem that has plagued the papermaking and printing industries for years. This book offers a fundamental understanding of binder migration. It also covers how binder migration happens, what factors cause or influence it, strategies to use in controlling it, and how binder migration affects printing and gluing.

7. Handbook for Pulp and Paper Technologists, 4th Ed. (SMOOK)

Member Price Non-Member Price
$94.00 $122.00


The Handbook For Pulp and Paper Technologists (The SMOOK Book), is by far the best-selling text to introduce the entire technology of pulp and paper manufacture. The major objective of the fourth edition was to provide a readable, up-to-date, comprehensive textbook. The book features 27 chapters covering all aspects of pulping and papermaking. 

8. *Pigment Coating and Surface Sizing of Paper, 2nd Ed.

Member Price Non-Member Price
$184.00 $184.00


Volume 11 of the Papermaking Science and Technology Series, published by the Finnish Paper Engineers’ Association. The second edition is intended to serve as a text and handbook for pigment coating and surface sizing technologies.   This is also an excellent textbook resource for universities and colleges. This series is ideal to train new employees at your company or as a reference guide for your experienced workforce.  

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