Photopolymer barrier coating for fiber-based liquid detergent packaging
UV-cured methacrylate photopolymer coating designed to provide mechanical strength and low permeability for paper-based packaging of liquid detergents, while remaining compatible with paper recycling processes.
Overview
This solution is a photopolymerized multi-functional methacrylate coating designed to serve as a barrier layer on fiber-based packaging for liquid detergents. The coating targets high mechanical strength and low permeability to water, solvents, surfactants, and enzymes, while remaining compatible with standard paper recycling operations such as pulping. Methacrylate photopolymers are already widely used in the paper industry, including over print varnishes, and thin layers of these coatings can be removed during pulping by flotation.
The technology addresses a growing need for sustainable, recyclable packaging alternatives to multi-layer plastic laminates. By enabling fiber-based packaging to hold liquid detergents reliably, the coating supports brand owners and packaging converters in meeting recyclability targets without sacrificing product protection.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- UV-cured methacrylate chemistry enabling solventless, ultrafast curing across many substrates
- Multi-functional monomer networks delivering high mechanical strength and high glass transition temperature
- Barrier performance targets including water vapor transmission rate below 0.5 g/m²/day (ASTM F1249) and oxygen transmission rate below 1 ml/m²/day (ASTM D3985) at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity
- Low film swelling target of less than 2 wt% to resist detergent-induced degradation
- Recyclable coating behavior where thin layers float off during pulping, supporting compatibility with paper recycling streams
- Low-cost formulation built on commercially available methacrylate monomers
Technology readiness level
The project is currently at TRL 3 and is planned to advance to TRL 5–6 over a one-year development effort. The research team has prior experience commercializing methacrylate photopolymer resins through the stereolithographic 3D printing industry, and published literature supports the mechanical and barrier properties of methacrylate-based photopolymer coatings as well as their removal during paper recycling. A four-task plan will iterate over 30 formulations, down-select to five candidates based on permeability and stress testing, lock a target formulation, and demonstrate paper recycling compatibility with an industry partner.
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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