Background

Coated paper is used in a variety of packaging applications including fresh produce, cheeses, confectionary, frozen fish and fast food. To achieve sufficient barrier properties, the paper is often coated with petroleum based waxes or polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). However, these coatings are not environmentally attractive and can present challenges in end of life management of the packaging. Researchers at Michigan State University have recently developed a new coating for paper that uses biobased materials and is PFAS free. The coated board has excellent resistance to grease and water and the coated paper passes TAPPI voluntary standards for repulpability and recyclability, thus providing a sustainable packaging solution.