Smart Planet Technologies has launched a biopolymer version of its EarthCoating barrier coating, which combines PLA resin with a specialized mineral blend to produce compostable and recyclable paper cups. This innovation addresses the issue of traditional polyethylene coatings compromising recyclability and contaminating paper recycling streams. The biopolymer coating, called EarthCoating-Bio, has a reduced plastic content of 35-51% compared to conventional coatings, making it more affordable and closer to 100% recyclable. The company claims that the coated packaging is qualified for recycling in premium recovered paper categories and meets industrial composting standards. Additionally, this material is derived from renewable resources, making it industrially compostable. The company asserts that this solution will improve barrier and heat seal performance while serving as a drop-in solution for packaging manufacturers. This development comes as an alternative to other biopolymer coatings, such as those used by UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman, and Clariant’s rice bran wax coating.
Bio-based barrier coatings enhance the compostability and recyclability of paper cups
