Recyclable paper-based food packaging with high-barrier vapour coatings
BioPaxium offers mineral monomer-based barrier coatings for moulded fibre and flexible paper packaging, delivering moisture vapour transmission rates as low as 1 g/m²/24hr. The technology enables compostable, recyclable alternatives to single-use plastics and Styrofoam for food service applications.
Overview
BioPaxium Technologies has developed a range of high-barrier coatings based on proprietary mineral monomer formulations that can be applied to moulded fibre substrates and flexible paper packaging. These coatings deliver moisture vapour transmission rates (MVTR) as low as 1 g/m²/24hr at 25°C and 75% relative humidity, with the potential to achieve even lower barrier performance through further development. The technology is designed to give paper-based food packaging the vapour and oxygen barrier properties needed to extend shelf life while remaining compostable and recyclable.
The solution directly addresses the food service industry's need to replace non-recyclable black plastics, Styrofoam, and other single-use materials with sustainable alternatives. By combining moulded fibre substrates (such as bamboo, bagasse, and wheat straw pulp) with bio-based barrier coatings, BioPaxium enables packaging formats including ready-meal trays, bowls, and cups that can withstand conventional and microwave oven conditions.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- Mineral monomer-based coating chemistry delivering high-barrier performance on paper substrates
- Compatible with moulded fibre and flexible paper packaging formats
- Compostable and recyclable end-of-life profile
Validated performance:
- MVTR: 1 g/m²/24hr at 25°C and 75% RH
- Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) barrier properties under development
- Heat resistance suitable for conventional and microwave oven applications
Substrate versatility:
- Bamboo, sugar cane bagasse, and wheat straw pulp fibres
- Flexible paper substrates for pouches, wraps, and similar formats
- Intricate, durable moulded geometries for rigid packaging applications
Technology readiness level
The coating technology has been validated through internal development work, achieving an MVTR of 1 g/m²/24hr under standard test conditions. BioPaxium is seeking a development partner to fund additional testing and validation, with the goal of pushing barrier performance well below the current 1 g/m²/24hr benchmark. The underlying moulded fibre and biopolymer formulations have already been deployed commercially through licensing arrangements, providing a foundation for scaling the barrier coating technology into food packaging applications.
About BioPaxium Technologies Limited
BioPaxium Technologies specializes in advanced moulded fibre technology designed as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics in the food packaging industry. The company utilizes a proprietary process involving pulp fibres—such as bamboo, sugar cane bagasse, and wheat straw—combined with unique biopolymer formulations. This technology allows for the creation of intricate, durable packaging geometries capable of withstanding high temperatures in conventional and microwave ovens, making them suitable for ready-meal trays, bowls, and cups. By incorporating bio-coatings and high-barrier compostable films, the company enhances food shelf life while ensuring the final products remain compostable and recyclable.
These innovations address critical environmental concerns by replacing non-recyclable black plastics and Styrofoam in the food service and manufacturing sectors. Through strategic partnerships, such as licensing its intellectual property to Transcend Packaging and collaborating with firms like Evanesce, BioPaxium aims to scale the adoption of sustainable packaging across Europe and beyond. Its focus on research and development enables the company to provide performance-oriented solutions that meet the rigorous standards of major food and beverage manufacturers while helping brands achieve their corporate sustainability goals.
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