The recyclable, biodegradable material will serve as a non-fossil alternative to single-use plastic that holds up to hot drinks
Coffee lids will be the first Dry Molded Fiber product using HSMG PROTĒAN oil and water barriers. (Credit: PulPac)
Swedish packaging solutions provider PulPac and HSMG, a Greentech Global company, have rolled out plant-based barrier coatings for moulded fibre coffee cup lids.
Both companies developed a new method for water and oil barriers for PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber technology.
PulPac said a thin, stretchable sheet of substrate applied with HSMG’s PROTĒAN solution is layered onto the fibre mat as the article is designed.
The heat and pressure of the forming process will help bind the HSMG carrier sheet to the product.
As a result of the process, a recyclable, biodegradable material will be created, which will serve as a non-fossil alternative to single-use plastic that holds up to hot drinks.
Last year, PulPac and HSMG partnered to develop sustainable chemicals, barriers and materials for Dry Molded Fiber.
The companies are planning to use PROTĒAN technology in a coffee lid for Swedish quick-service restaurant chain MAX Burgers this year.
PulPac chief technology officer Sebastian Roos said: “We are enthusiastic about the performance of the HSMG barrier technology platform.
“This solution is plant-based, plastic-free, biodegradable and recyclable, all important qualities to our customers and crucial for saving the planet from plastics.
“Our technology has pioneered fibre forming, making it possible to manufacture paper packaging without wasting valuable water resources or energy and significantly reducing CO2, at the unit economy that is very competitive.
“We are fast approaching a tipping point where the single-use plastics items that can be replaced, will become obsolete in favour of competitive and truly sustainable alternatives.”
PulPac said other Dry Molded Fiber applications such as hot cup lids and take-away items will follow and will be available for PulPac licensees.
HSMG chief technology officer Jonathon Spender said: “PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber technology is a good fit with HSMG’s barrier chemistry solutions.
“The PROTĒAN carrier sheet integrates readily into the manufacturing process and is an ideal way to target the barrier to the function required.
“We are thrilled that PROTĒAN technology will be available for licensing to PulPac customers.”