Pha-based barrier coating for sustainable molded fiber packaging
This innovative barrier coating combines compostable PHA with PVOH and bio-based fillers to enhance paper packaging. It offers improved grease resistance, moisture barrier, and compatibility with recycling or composting.
Overview
This solution offers a sustainable barrier coating platform for molded fiber and paper packaging using compostable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) as the primary hydrophobic phase. By integrating small amounts of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) for improved coating uniformity and adhesion, and utilizing bio-based or earth-abundant fillers like talc and nanoclay, this platform enhances the grease and moisture resistance of paper packaging. The coating is designed to maintain a lightweight structure with a total basis weight of 30-75 gsm, ensuring compatibility with flexographic printing and suitable end-of-life pathways through recyclability or compostability.
Technical specifications
- Core components: PHA as the primary hydrophobic barrier, PVOH for adhesion and grease resistance
- Fillers: Earth-abundant or bio-based materials such as talc, kaolin, nanoclay, cellulose nanomaterials
- Performance targets: KIT 12 grease resistance, improved water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), strong puncture durability
- Compatibility: Flexographic printing, paper recyclability, certified compostability
- Process: Multi-phase development including formulation, optimization, and testing for various performance metrics
Technology readiness level
The current development stage is at TRL 3, where initial experimental trials have been conducted to validate the feasibility of the coating formulation. Further optimization and validation phases are planned to advance the technology towards commercialization.
About University of Massachusetts Lowell
UMass Lowell is a comprehensive public research university in the University of Massachusetts system, known for hands-on, industry-aligned education. Industry partners engage through open-access core research facilities and pilot-scale labs for prototyping and scale-up, supported by staff for contract services. A robust co-op program connects companies with student and faculty talent, while incubator and coworking sites near campus offer labs and flexible space. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, and Department of Defense. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP, licensing, sponsored research, and startup formation to streamline commercialization.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Looking for
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.