Engineered agri-waste biopolymers for high-barrier food packaging replacing PVA/PVOH
Patented, USDA Bio-based Certified biopolymer technology that converts agricultural waste and second-generation biomass into high-performance grease and oxygen barrier coatings for paper and food packaging. Replaces PVA/PVOH at price parity, emits up to 80% less CO2, and is home compostable and ocean degradable without chemical cross-linking.
Overview
Mi Terro has developed a patented biopolymer technology that transforms agricultural waste streams, second-generation (non-food) feedstock, and certified biomasses into high-barrier coatings for paper and food packaging. The technology directly replaces conventional PVA/PVOH barrier materials with a sustainable alternative that achieves price parity while delivering significant environmental benefits. The solution is USDA Bio-based Certified, home compostable, ocean degradable, printable, and heat sealable, making it suitable for a wide range of food and beverage packaging applications.
Technical specifications
- Feedstock flexibility: Uses agricultural side streams, second-generation non-food biomass, and certified biomasses to maximize sustainable material use
- Barrier performance: Provides excellent oxygen barrier (OTR) and grease resistance validated through in-house lab testing (WVTR)
- No chemical cross-linking: Achieves barrier performance without chemical cross-linking, enabling rapid and complete decomposition in natural environments
- Processing compatibility: Printable, heat sealable, and compatible with existing paper coating and food packaging film manufacturing processes
- Sustainability profile: Emits up to 80% less CO2 than PVA during production; home compostable and ocean degradable
- In-house capabilities: Lab equipment and extruders available for rapid sample production and pilot trials
Technology readiness level
The technology has progressed beyond laboratory validation with in-house test results confirming OTR and WVTR performance. Material samples have been successfully tested on paper coating and food packaging film applications. Mi Terro is prepared for pilot trials with food and beverage companies and paper fiber manufacturers, with pilot programs typically running 12 months. The company is actively seeking collaboration with packaging converters and brand owners to advance the technology across additional applications and scale production.
About Mi Terro
Founded in 2018, Mi Terro started in sustainable fashion (making T-shirts from spoiled milk casein) and pivoted to bioplastics. It has since gained backing from corporate accelerators and sustainability-focused investors. The team merges expertise in biotechnology, chemical engineering, and supply chain to create materials that address environmental challenges.
delivered to your inbox.