Development of a biodegradable, repulpable, recyclable and compostable barrier coating for paper, board and molded fiber packaging industry

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As soon as the end of 2021, single use plastics checkout bags, stir sticks, beverage six pack rings, cutlery, straws and food packaging made from plastics will be banned in Canada. The pulp and paper industry with its well-developed recycling networks and the inherent biodegradability/ compostability properties of cellulose seems to be the winner of these policies. But the poor barrier properties of the paper limit its application. To increase these performances different surface treatments are applied on the surface of paper, cardboard, and thermoformed products. Generally, the coating materials are made from petrochemical, are not compostable and negatively affect the recyclability of the paper. A significant proportion of packaging is unfortunately found in our oceans and it represents a real threat to marine biodiversity, one of humanity's main sources of food. Even new biobased and compostable bioplastic such as PLA (polylactic acid), PBAT (Ecoflex, polybutylene adipate terephthalate), PBS (polybutylene succinate) are not biodegradable on marine and freshwater environment. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used as a grease barrier agent. They are very effective at very low concentrations. However, they are persistent in the environment. Kemira is a supplier of chemical products for several industries including pulp and paper. The company provides products to enhance the properties of papers and boards such as dry and wet strength, barriers, softness etc. Kemira wants to be part of the development of 3D cellulosic products by providing new additives adapted to these applications.In this project, new coating formulation based on PHAs will developed for paper, cardboard, and cellulosic thermoformed products. Trials will be carried out from the laboratory scale up to the pilot scale. These formulations will allow Kemira's Canadian customers to produce sustainable cellulosic packaging in Canada with a high level of barrier.