Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

This project is a new partnership between International Group Inc (IGI) and Innofibre to develop thermoformed packaging made from wood pulp coupled effective and economical water-based coatings. Innofibre will contribute to the acceleration of non-fluorinated barrier technology in terms of applicability and processability. Moulded fibre products (MFPs) are an environmentally friendly packaging material that is recyclable, compostable, and eventually biodegradable, that could be used as an alternative to oil‐based packaging products. However, cellulose materials are porous and hydrophilic by nature, then additives are used to improve their barrier properties. Particularly, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have long been used in paper packaging and food service items to provide moisture and grease/oil resistance. Due to ongoing environmental and health issues, there is an urge for PFAS replacement with safer and nonfluorinated alternative. IGI has developed a new enviro-coatings product named Aquaban®, being water-based wax emulsions bio-inspired to substitute the PFAS. The aim of this research project is to couple thermoformed wood pulp with Aquaban® as additive to obtain MFPs with water and gas barrier properties. For that, 3-D packaging production will be performed by using the Innofibre pilot TF-45 thermoforming machine and IGI's water-based emulsions as an additive. This bio-inspired research project will develop MFPs with higher water and gas barrier properties.