Cost-effective zein-based moisture barrier coatings for packaging

Overview

BioBond Adhesives has developed an innovative approach to producing zein-based moisture barrier coatings, offering a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to traditional petroleum-based coatings. Zein, a corn-derived protein, possesses excellent barrier properties but has traditionally been hindered by high production costs. BioBond's method addresses these cost barriers by introducing a novel separation technique using water instead of ethanol, and by eliminating the need for energy-intensive spray drying processes. This not only reduces production costs but also enhances the environmental sustainability of the coating. Furthermore, the formulation is designed for compatibility with existing high-speed paper coating lines, facilitating easy adoption and scalability.

Technical specifications

• Separation Innovation: Utilizes water as a solvent for the efficient and cost-effective extraction of zein from corn gluten meal.
• Process Efficiency: Bypasses the traditional spray drying step, reducing energy consumption and potential product degradation.
• Infrastructure Compatibility: Compatible with current high-speed paper coating technologies, ensuring ease of integration into existing processes.
• Sustainability: Offers a biodegradable and bio-based alternative to petroleum-based coatings, aligning with increasing environmental and regulatory demands for sustainable packaging solutions.

Technology readiness level

This technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment. Future plans include scaling to a pilot production level, with anticipated facility readiness by Q2 2026. Partnerships with major industry players and additional funding are being pursued to support this scale-up process.