PFAS-Free Biobased Barrier Coating for Fiber-Based Packaging
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EmailPE, PVC, PVDC, PLA Replacement Coating for Recyclable Paper Packaging
MSU Packaging Technology | Sustainable Packaging Group
Technology ID: TEC2023-0086
A next-generation, water-borne barrier coating designed to replace extrusion-coated polyethylene (PE), LDPE laminates, PVC, PVDC, PLA, petroleum-based wax, and fluorochemical grease barriers used in paper and molded fiber packaging.
This biobased coating delivers high grease and water resistance while maintaining repulpability in standard OCC recycling streams—enabling recyclable, compostable, and fiber-recovery-compatible packaging solutions aligned with circular economy infrastructure.
The material is biodegradable under both home and industrial composting conditions.
Key Performance Attributes
| Feature | Performance |
| Grease Resistance | KIT 7–12 |
| Water Resistance | Cobb600: <10 g/m² |
| WVTR (23°C / 50% RH) | ~10 g/m²·day (tailorable) |
| Repulpability | >85% yield (CEPI / TAPPI – Pass) |
| Recyclability | CEPI and FBA recycling – Pass |
| Compostability | Home & Industrial – Pass |
| Biodegradability | Pass |
| Biobased Content | 65–100% |
| Folding Endurance | Excellent |
| Cracking Resistance | Not observed |
| Disintegration | <80 days |
| Water-borne System | Yes (35 wt% solids) |
| Food contact safe | Yes |
| EN13432 compostability | Yes |
| Stickies test | Pass |
| Machine run speed | High |
| Cradle-to-gate CO₂e | Net zero |
| PFAS-free | Yes |
Commercial Advantage
Estimated coating cost: ~$0.0090 per m² @ 10 gsm coating load
Cost-competitive with PE extrusion coating at industrial coat weights.
Processing & Converting Compatibility
| Property | Capability |
| Form | Emulsion |
| Solids Content | 35 wt% |
| Application Methods | Spray, Applicator, Curtain, Rod |
| Substrate | Paper, Molded Fiber Containers |
| Coat Weight | ~10 g/m² |
| Die Cutting | No edge cracking |
| Folding | Excellent endurance |
| FFS Equipment | Compatible |
| Roll Blocking | Not observed |
| Sealability | ASTM F88/F88M-21 – Excellent |
| Line Speed | No observed limitations on conventional coating equipment |
Manufacturing Compatibility
- Blade Coater
- Size Press
- Flexographic Unit
- Curtain Coater
Target Applications
- Hot Cups / Coffee Cups
- Frozen Food Cartons
- Produce Boxes
- Pizza Boxes
- Folding Cartons
- Plates
Temperature Compatibility
| Use Case | Status |
| Freezer Applications | Excellent |
| Hot Fill Applications | Compatible |
Regulatory Status
| Property | Status |
| Food Contact | All ingredients are food-safe |
IP Status
- PCT Patent Filed
- Composition of Matter Claims
Commercialization Opportunity
Seeking pilot-scale coating partners and licensing collaborators for fiber-based packaging applications.
Contact:
MSU Packaging Technology | Sustainable Packaging Group
rabnawaz@msu.edu
