Renuvix plant oil-based hybrid coatings for sustainable paper products
Renuvix hybrid materials combine plant oil-based polymeric material (POBPM) with bioplastic to create hydrophobic, oleophobic, renewable, biodegradable, and compostable paper coatings. These cost-effective alternatives to synthetic and bioplastic sizing agents enable paper-based replacements for Styrofoam single-use products such as cups, plates, and bowls.
Overview
Renuvix is developing hybrid coating materials made from plant oil-based polymeric material (POBPM) combined with commercially available bioplastics. These hybrid materials are designed to be hydrophobic, oleophobic, renewable, biodegradable, and compostable, making them suitable as surface coatings for paper. The technology offers a cost-effective, renewable alternative to current synthetic and fully bioplastic paper sizing agents, with the potential to replace Styrofoam-based single-use products with paper-based alternatives.
The core value proposition lies in combining the proven barrier performance of POBPM with the tunable properties of bioplastics to create coatings that can be tailored for different household single-use applications. By varying the composition, Renuvix can adjust the melting range, flexibility, and biodegradability of the hybrid product to suit specific end-use requirements.
Technical specifications
Key features and performance:
- Hydrophobic and oleophobic barrier properties for paper substrates
- Renewable, biodegradable, and compostable material composition
- POBPM certified as biodegradable and cost-effective
- On non-sized 212 g/m² paper with an average coating weight of 17 g/m², Cobb value reduced by 4 to 5 times compared to uncoated internally sized paper
- Water contact angle increased by 20 degrees compared to uncoated internally sized paper
- Higher barrier properties demonstrated versus commercial surface sizing agents
- Tunable melting range, flexibility, and biodegradability through composition variation
- Applicable as spray coating on non-surface sized paper or as aqueous dispersion applied to pulp
- Potential applications include household single-use products such as cups, plates, and bowls
Technology readiness level
Renuvix has established an effective lab-scale process to produce POBPM-bioplastic hybrids using POBPM and several commercially available biopolymers. The company is now seeking to synthesize a library of proposed hybrid materials that will be characterized for molecular weight, melting point and range, visual appearance, and flexibility as cast films. Selected formulations will be scaled up in a 2L or 10L reactor, then sprayed onto non-surface sized paper or applied as aqueous dispersion to pulp, followed by testing for barrier properties and compostability. The technology is currently at a lab-scale validation stage with plans for reactor-scale production and application testing.
About Renuvix LLC
Renuvix, LLC is a technology company founded in 2013 and based in Fargo, North Dakota, that specializes in the development and manufacturing of high-performance resin and polymer products. Its technological offerings include bio-based solutions such as sucrose polyester resins and oleo vinyl ether polymers, which are designed to provide significant performance advantages for formulators in industries including paints, coatings, adhesives, composites, and personal care products. The company leverages extensive research and development experience, supported by patented and patent-pending technologies, to offer sustainable, high-performance alternatives to existing market materials.
These advanced resin solutions are important to industrial partners and formulators who require enhanced performance characteristics and improved environmental profiles. Renuvix has demonstrated its innovation through competitive research grants, including funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop isocyanate-free polyurethane resins that reduce air pollutants. By focusing on manufacturing, commercialization, and continuous innovation in materials science, the company provides specialty solutions that address complex formulation challenges, serving clients who prioritize high-performance and specialty chemical applications.
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