Grant: Alliance Grants

The use of fluorocarbon-based (e.g., Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)) barrier, often called 'forever chemicals', has been a major environmental and health concern for the food packaging industry. Every year between 2018 and 2020, it is estimated that an average of 9,000 tons per year of polymer PFAS were used in the USA (with a variation of 11,000 to 25,000 tons per year) and 940 tons per year in Canada (with a variation of 120-2600 tons/year) in 2% of food packaging. Replacing the actual non-sustainable packaging, by developing more effective methods and fluorocarbon-free packaging remains critical to address these concerns. In this context, the overarching objective of this project is to develop a technological platform to produce sustainable barrier paper. A proof of concept of a recyclable and compostable protein-based barrier paper will be established in partnership with a major Canadian pulp and paper company for food packaging. Moreover, this novel sustainable and cost-effective cellulose-based bionanocomposite opens novel directions for environmentally friendly applications demanding high mechanical, water-repelling properties, and thermal resistance.