Polysaccharide-based emulsion coatings for sustainable paper packaging
Bio-based barrier coatings using nanostructured cellulose, polysaccharides, mineral fillers, and bio-waxes for paper packaging. Provides water vapor and oxygen barrier plus thermosealing, processed at room temperature, suitable for food contact applications.
Overview
This solution offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-derived coatings for paper packaging. By formulating polysaccharide-based emulsions using nanostructured cellulose combined with other polysaccharides such as pullulan and chitosan, along with mineral fillers and bio-sourced waxes like beeswax, the technology delivers effective barrier performance and thermosealing capability directly on paper substrates. Optional integration with water-soluble polymers such as PVA can further enhance barrier properties while limiting direct food contact.
The approach addresses growing market demand for biodegradable, biomass-derived packaging that complies with food-contact regulations (EC 1935/2004 and BfR XXXVI). Because the coatings are applied as emulsions at room temperature, processing is energy-efficient and compatible with standard paper converting operations.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Barrier performance: water vapor barrier equivalent to PE-EVOH-PE coated papers, with air permeability exceeding two hours and ongoing oxygen transmission rate testing
- Thermosealing ability: enables heat-sealable paper packaging without conventional plastic sealing layers
- Bio-based formulation: combines nanostructured cellulose, pullulan, chitosan, mineral fillers, and beeswax for a fully biodegradable coating system
- Room-temperature processing: emulsion-based coatings eliminate the need for high-temperature curing
- Food-contact compliance: formulations designed to meet EC 1935/2004 and BfR XXXVI standards
- Optional active packaging: complementary work on greenly synthesized nanoparticles for oxygen and ethylene scavenging and antimicrobial functionality
- Customizable composition: coatings can be tuned with PVA or other water-soluble polymers to balance barrier performance and food-contact safety
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at laboratory-scale validation, with demonstrated barrier performance against water vapor and air. The research team has well-equipped characterization capabilities covering mechanical, physical, barrier, optical, and thermal properties. Future validation is structured around partner-specific needs, beginning with substrate selection, followed by bar-coating trials at laboratory scale, characterization of promising candidates, and progression to pilot testing with the most suitable formulations. Active packaging variants incorporating scavenging and antimicrobial nanoparticles are under parallel development.
About University of Girona
The University of Girona is a comprehensive public university in Catalonia with multiple urban campuses and a strong regional engagement mandate. Its Research and Innovation Park (ParcUdG) anchors collaboration by co‑locating companies with university groups and external institutes such as the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA). Health‑system integration through the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI) links UdG with the province’s major hospitals, enabling clinical studies and industry‑sponsored trials. Research is supported by competitive European and national funding. A dedicated technology transfer office based in the park provides IP management, licensing, and startup support, offering a clear entry point for corporate partners.
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