As EcoCortec® (Cortec Corporation) marks nearly twenty years of VpCI®-126 film production at its Croatian facility, it continues to uphold its dedication to quality, technological leadership and sustainability—demonstrating how innovation in corrosion protection can support both industry and the environment.
EcoCortec®, the European subsidiary of Cortec Corporation, is nearing the twentieth anniversary of producing its widely acclaimed VpCI®-126 film at its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Croatia. The corrosion-inhibiting polyethylene film, powered by Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor
(VpCI®) technology, has become one of the world’s best-selling solutions for protecting metal components—its long-standing presence in global markets underscoring its proven performance and reliability.
Used across thousands of applications worldwide, the film has built a reputation for delivering sustainable, effective protection for a broad range of industries. As a matter of fact, VpCI®-126 film provides clean, dry and long-lasting corrosion protection for metal parts without requiring oils or greases. Its advanced VpCI® chemistry forms an invisible molecular layer that safeguards metals for up to five years during storage or transport. In addition, the transparent, flexible film maintains strong mechanical durability while allowing for easy inspection and handling. It is recyclable, non-toxic and nitrite-free, supporting modern sustainability and workplace safety standards.
Available in shrink, stretch and reinforced formats—as well as custom bags, tubing, and sheeting—the film offers versatile protection for sectors including automotive, electronics and heavy machinery. In addition to its standard version, VpCI®-126 is also offered in a PCR variant containing post-consumer recycled material, reinforcing circular economy objectives.
Over the last two decades, EcoCortec® has expanded into a major European manufacturing hub that not only extrudes and converts films but also produces its own VpCI® masterbatch. This integrated approach ensures consistent quality and rapid delivery to customers worldwide.
Since its establishment, the plant has been recognised for its innovation and contribution to Croatia’s industrial and environmental development. It has been regarded as a project of significant importance to both the local community and the national economy, helping drive regional development and create high-value green manufacturing jobs. As a result, the initiative received support from the Croatian government and partial financing from the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR), reflecting national confidence in EcoCortec’s long-term sustainable vision.
In 2006, the company received the CroPak Award for excellence in packaging innovation and sustainability. A further milestone came in 2018, when EcoCortec® secured an EU Grant for its third expansion project, including the acquisition of a new extrusion line (E5). This investment substantially increased production capacity for VpCI® films, strengthening EcoCortec’s position as one of Europe’s leading producers of environmentally friendly VCI packaging.
The company has also taken part in several EU-funded research initiatives—including Marine Clean and BioCompack—focused on developing greener materials and advancing circular economy practices:
- In 2024, EcoCortec® received the Lider Magazine Award for the Best Medium-Sized Investment in Croatia, acknowledging its continuing role in the country’s industrial development and leadership in sustainable manufacturing.
- Another key achievement was its partnership with German distributor Jakob Schober GmbH, resulting in a closed-loop recycling programme that allows clean plastic scrap to be returned and reprocessed into new high-quality films at the Croatian plant. This initiative significantly reduces waste, conserves resources and lowers carbon emissions. It was recognised with the German Packaging Award in the “Sustainability – Overall Concept” category.
- EcoCortec®’s recognitions highlight its commitment to innovation, sustainability and responsible industrial growth. The company has also secured specialised financing from the Intesa Sanpaolo banking group, supporting environmentally sustainable projects aligned with Europe’s broader green transition goals.