Compostable biopolymer adhesives for print films
Bio-based, compostable adhesive formulations designed for print film applications. These adhesives target degradation in home and industrial composting within six months, with strong adhesion to metal and ink substrates, and are formulated as water-based or solvent-less systems.
Overview
This research program focuses on developing compostable adhesives made from biopolymer components for use in print films. The goal is to replace conventional petroleum-based adhesives with sustainable alternatives that can degrade in both home and industrial composting environments, as well as in aqueous conditions including fresh and salt water.
The adhesives are designed to achieve approximately 60% mass loss within 30 days under composting conditions, while maintaining strong adhesion to metal and ink substrates commonly used in print film applications. Formulations are being developed to be either water-based or solvent-less, supporting safer manufacturing and reduced environmental impact.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Bio-based or fully biological adhesive formulations using base polymers combined with plasticizers, tackifiers, compatibilizers, and other biological additives
- Water-based or solvent-less formulation approaches to reduce volatile organic compound emissions
- Adhesion performance validated against metal and ink substrates used in print films
- Compostable under both residential and industrial composting conditions
- Degradable in aqueous environments including fresh and salt water
Current development focus:
- Synthesizing biopolymer adhesive compositions that balance viscosity and peel strength
- Characterizing viscosity versus temperature profiles, peel strength performance, and biodegradation rates
- Iterating on formulations to decouple viscosity and adhesion properties, which currently show interdependent behavior in early compositions
Technology readiness level
This technology is at an early-to-mid research stage with preliminary data demonstrating feasibility. Early compositions have shown the ability to produce biopolymer adhesives that can be composted under both residential and industrial conditions, though current formulations have limitations in the relationship between viscosity and peel strength.
Future validation includes biopolymer synthesis to optimize formulation components and materials characterization to confirm peel strength, viscosity, biodegradation, and compostability targets. Additional detailed data on compositions and performance can be shared upon further engagement.
About University of Utah
The University of Utah is a comprehensive public research university in Salt Lake City, paired with the resources of a major academic medical center. Industry partners engage through an on-campus research and technology park that co-locates companies with faculty labs and shared core facilities. Clinical integration supports large-scale trials and translation, while proximity to Silicon Slopes expands access to regional innovation partners. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NIH and NSF, with additional awards from DOE and the Department of Defense. A dedicated technology commercialization office manages IP, licensing, startup formation, and corporate engagement, with incubator space in the research park.
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