Biobased hydrophobic additive for paper barrier and fiber recovery improvement
Renuvix offers 100% biobased, GRAS-graded hydrophobic crystalline additives designed to enhance paper barrier properties against moisture and gases while supporting improved fiber recovery during recycling. These non-thermoplastic additives are suitable for food-contact coatings and aim to reduce stickies during repulping.
Overview
Renuvix is developing hydrophobic, crystalline macromolecular additives that serve a dual purpose: improving barrier performance in paper coatings and enhancing fiber recovery during paper recycling. These 100% biobased additives are designed to fill voids and form crystalline domains within paper coatings, reducing the transmission of water vapor and gases while remaining susceptible to hydrolytic degradation under repulping conditions. The non-thermoplastic nature of the additives, combined with a controlled hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, is intended to prevent the formation of "stickies" during recycling—a common challenge with conventional hydrophobic paper coatings. The additives are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and applicable for food-contact applications, making them suitable for packaging and other sensitive end uses.
Technical specifications
- Composition: 100% biobased, crystalline macromolecular compounds with controlled hydrophilic-lipophilic balance.
- Barrier performance: Demonstrated potential to reduce water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and water uptake in paper coatings.
- Recyclability: Non-thermoplastic structure enables physical disintegration under repulping conditions, minimizing stickies formation.
- Safety profile: GRAS-graded and applicable for food-contact applications.
- Testing capabilities: In-house paper testing including WVTR, Cobb test, water contact angle (WCA), grease resistance, and tensile strength. Additional methods such as fiber recovery evaluation can be developed in collaboration with partners. Western Michigan University is available as a testing resource.
- Application process: An application process has been developed by Renuvix's partner, demonstrating advantages in paper barrier coatings.
Technology readiness level
The additives have shown promising results in initial paper coating evaluations, with demonstrated potential to reduce WVTR and water uptake. An application process has been developed by a partner, and preliminary validation supports further investigation. Renuvix is currently seeking collaboration to define a research plan, estimate market demand, and validate additional benefits such as high fiber recovery during recycling. The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development, with further validation and pilot-scale testing needed to confirm performance at commercial scale.
About Renuvix LLC
Renuvix, LLC is a technology company founded in 2013 and based in Fargo, North Dakota, that specializes in the development and manufacturing of high-performance resin and polymer products. Its technological offerings include bio-based solutions such as sucrose polyester resins and oleo vinyl ether polymers, which are designed to provide significant performance advantages for formulators in industries including paints, coatings, adhesives, composites, and personal care products. The company leverages extensive research and development experience, supported by patented and patent-pending technologies, to offer sustainable, high-performance alternatives to existing market materials.
These advanced resin solutions are important to industrial partners and formulators who require enhanced performance characteristics and improved environmental profiles. Renuvix has demonstrated its innovation through competitive research grants, including funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop isocyanate-free polyurethane resins that reduce air pollutants. By focusing on manufacturing, commercialization, and continuous innovation in materials science, the company provides specialty solutions that address complex formulation challenges, serving clients who prioritize high-performance and specialty chemical applications.
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