Marine biopolymer coatings for compostable high-barrier packaging

Technology
In development
Company

Innovative marine-derived biopolymer coatings provide a compostable and recyclable alternative to traditional plastic packaging, achieving high moisture barrier performance. Seeking partners for industrial trials and regulatory compliance advancement.

Overview

MarinaTex introduces a revolutionary solution in sustainable packaging with its marine-derived biopolymer coatings. These coatings are designed to replace traditional fossil-based moisture barriers in packaging, offering a fully compostable and recyclable alternative. Harnessing the natural film-forming properties of polymers derived from plants and marine waste, these coatings achieve single digit moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), meeting industry standards while ensuring compatibility with paper recycling and composting systems. This innovation not only addresses the environmental impact of plastic waste but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

Technical specifications
  • Moisture Barrier Performance: Achieves WVTR <50 g/m²·day at 38°C, 90% rH
  • Compostability: Meets TÜV home compostability certification standards
  • Recyclability: Compatible with Cepi 2 paper recycling trials
  • Material Source: Derived from natural polymers contained in seafood waste and plant biomass
  • Compatibility: Designed for use in flexographic, rotogravure, curtain printing processes
  • FDA and EU Compliance: Overall migration safe, ongoing efforts to obtain food contact certifications
Technology readiness level

The technology currently stands at TRL 5, having been validated through internal testing and third-party assessments. Future plans include industrial-scale proof-of-concept trials and further regulatory compliance testing to advance readiness for commercial deployment.


About MarinaTex (Lucy Hughes project)

Invented at the University of Sussex by Lucy Hughes, MarinaTex drew global attention for using fish industry waste. It’s not yet a fully formed company with production, but the concept has been developed into sample sheets of film for demonstration.

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