Water-Washable Bioderived Pectin Oxygen Barrier Coatings
A sustainable, bioderived pectin-based oxygen barrier coating for flexible food packaging. This water-washable technology significantly reduces oxygen transmission rates in PET films, offering a recyclable alternative to synthetic EVOH barriers. The solution is ideal for food packaging applications requiring high barrier performance and circular economy compatibility.
Overview
This innovation provides a sustainable, bioderived pectin-based coating designed to replace conventional ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) barriers in flexible food packaging. By applying these water-based coatings to thin-film substrates like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), researchers have created a high-performance oxygen barrier that significantly reduces oxygen transmission rates. A critical advantage of this technology is its water-washability, which ensures that the barrier coating can be easily removed during the recycling process. This capability allows for the effective recovery of the underlying PET substrate, facilitating standard recycling streams and supporting a circular economy in the packaging industry.
Technical specifications
The technology utilizes pectin, a sustainable, naturally derived polymer, to enhance the barrier properties of flexible films. Key technical features include:
- Oxygen Barrier Performance: Reduces the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of 12 µm PET film from 90 cm³/m²/day/atm to approximately 2-4 cm³/m²/day/atm.
- Enhanced Modifications: Incorporating additives such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or graphene oxide can further improve barrier performance, with IPA-modified coatings achieving OTR levels as low as 0.22 cm³/m²/day/atm.
- Recyclability: The coatings are water-washable, enabling clean substrate recovery and improving the recyclability of multi-layer plastic packaging.
- Compatibility: Designed for application on thin-film substrates, providing a viable alternative to synthetic polymers like EVOH.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 4. The research team has successfully developed and evaluated the pectin-based coatings at the laboratory scale, demonstrating effective oxygen barrier performance on PET films and validating the water-washable recycling mechanism through published academic studies. Further development is required to scale the application process for industrial...
About Swansea University
Swansea University is a comprehensive public research university with dual campuses along Swansea Bay and a partnership-driven, applied research culture. Purpose-built facilities on the Bay Campus co-locate engineering research with company spaces and pilot-scale testbeds, accelerating product development and contract R&D. The Medical School works closely with NHS partners, with an adjacent hospital supporting clinical translation and real‑world evaluation. Research activity is backed by competitive national funding through UK Research and Innovation and Innovate UK, alongside NHS collaborations and Welsh Government support. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing and spinout formation, with access to on‑campus collaboration and incubation space.
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