Bio-based ionic protein coating for fiber-based foodservice packaging

Overview

LigCell Tech LLC presents a groundbreaking PFAS-free, fully bio-based barrier coating system designed for fiber-based foodservice packaging. This innovative coating combines collagen, chitosan, and glycerin to deliver exceptional performance. The solution is applied as a single aqueous spray or rod coating layer, achieving remarkable grease resistance and moisture barrier properties. This technology not only surpasses existing bio-based approaches but also ensures complete soil biodegradation within 11 weeks, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional coatings.

Technical specifications

• Composition: Collagen, chitosan, and glycerin, all food-grade and GRAS-eligible.
• Performance: Achieves Kit 12 grease resistance and moisture barrier with WVTR <1 g/m²/24hr, representing a 150-fold reduction compared to uncoated substrates.
• Barrier Mechanism: Utilizes an ionically cross-linked protein-polysaccharide network, forming a dense, crack-free film.
• Application: Applied as a single layer (~38 g/m² dry add-on) on recycled fiber substrates.
• Future Improvements: Focus on reducing coating add-on to 10–15 g/m² while maintaining performance through optimized application methods and formulation refinement.

Technology readiness level

Currently at TRL 4, this technology has demonstrated its effectiveness in laboratory settings. Future validation phases aim to refine the formulation, enhance thermal stability, and optimize application methods to prepare for commercial deployment. The goal is to achieve a coating add-on of ≤15 g/m² with maintained performance and produce pilot-scale samples for industry evaluation.