Available Technologies

Executive Summary

Coated paper is used in a variety of packaging applications including fresh produce, cheeses, confectionary, frozen fish and fast food. To achieve sufficient barrier properties, the paper is often coated with petroleum based waxes or polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). However, these coatings are not environmentally attractive and can present challenges in end of life management of the packaging. Researchers at Michigan State University have recently developed a new coating for paper that uses biobased materials and is PFAS free. The coated board has excellent resistance to grease and water and the coated paper passes TAPPI voluntary standards for repulpability and recyclability, thus providing a sustainable packaging solution.

Description of the Technology

The technology is a sustainable polyester polymer composition that can be applied as a melt or emulsified in water to provide a waterborne applied coating. Tests have been conducted on unbleached Kraft paper with or without starch, resulting in Kit ratings (grease resistance) of 12, Cobb 1800 water penetration down to 4 g/m2 and water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) down to 36 g/(m2-day). The coated board passes the TAPPI voluntary standards for repulpability and recyclability and is biodegradable. 

Benefits

• Biosourced monomers
• Excellent grease and water repellency
• Repulpable
• Recyclable
• Biodegradable

Applications

• Paper based packaging for foods
• Corrugated board for boxes
• Packaging containers (cups, plates, boxes, etc.), lids, thermoforms, pouches, and/or rigid bottles.

Patent Status

• Patent pending

Licensing Rights

Full licensing rights available

Inventors

Dr. Muhammad Rabnawaz, Dr. Hazem Elkholy, Shamila Hamdani

TECH ID

TEC2023-0086