Repulpable lignin-based barrier coating for fiber-based packaging
Clemson University is developing a PFAS-free, waterborne lignin-based barrier coating for sustainable fiber-based packaging. This biodegradable coating improves water vapor and grease resistance while maintaining repulpability, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional packaging solutions.
Overview
Clemson University is pioneering a sustainable solution for fiber-based packaging with its repulpable lignin-based barrier coating. This innovative technology is a fully waterborne, PFAS-free formulation that enhances the packaging's barrier properties against moisture and grease. Utilizing lignin nanoparticles, glycerol, and epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), the coating offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fluorochemical-based barriers. The lignin provides a bio-based aromatic backbone, while the ESO enhances hydrophobicity, and glycerol improves flexibility and film formation. The result is a repulpable coating that dissolves in alkaline conditions, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.
Technical specifications
- Composition: Lignin nanoparticles, glycerol, epoxidized soybean oil (ESO)
- Application: Applied at ~20 g/m² coat weight on kraft paper
- Process: Mildly reacted at ~80 °C for 15 minutes, followed by room temperature drying
- Performance: Initial trials show a reduction in Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) from ~102 to ~48 g/m²·day
- Repulpability: Coating dissolves in 0.1 M NaOH, confirming its recyclability
Technology readiness level
Currently, the technology is at TRL 3, with successful laboratory-scale demonstrations showing feasibility. Future phases aim to optimize formulation parameters, enhance barrier performance, and validate environmental compatibility through comprehensive testing and scaling efforts.
About Clemson University
Clemson University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Upstate South Carolina with a main campus and statewide outreach. Industry engages through co‑located facilities: an automotive innovation campus in Greenville, an energy testing complex in Charleston, and a research and technology park near the main campus with labs and offices. A strong co‑op program and corporate engagement team connect companies with faculty expertise and student talent, while the Extension network supports field trials and regional pilots. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and DOD. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP, licensing, and startup support with clear pathways for industry‑sponsored agreements.
delivered to your inbox.