Kuraray develops biobased, recyclable granulate for paper coating
In Singapore, Asia Food Journal reported that Kuraray, the global speciality chemicals company headquartered in Japan, has launched a new grade of its sustainable, high-performance barrier material PLANTIC.
As a plant-based granulate developed specifically for extrusion coating, PLANTIC EP is suitable for the development of sustainable gas and aroma-barrier solutions for paper, cardboard, and traditional film substrates. A recent certificate awarded by Western Michigan University (WMU) confirms that this new material is repulpable and recyclable. It can therefore be used as the basis for sustainable barrier pouch and carton formats for brand owners and converters, Kuraray said.
“Companies have recognized the importance of packaging that maintains product integrity and shelf life, while consumers don’t want to buy products that add to landfills,” said Tom Black of Kuraray’s PLANTIC unit. “We noticed a gap in the market and the need for a sustainable material that could be used to produce pouches and cartons with high barrier properties.”
To develop a recyclable, high-barrier pouch, Kuraray applied PLANTIC EP to kraft paper using the extrusion coating process with a bonding/heat-sealing layer of polyethylene from Westlake. Flexible pouches and cartons with high barrier properties can be produced using PLANTIC EP in combination with multi-layer films. The additional structural layers can be separated, re-used, and, where appropriate, recycled or composted, Kuraray said.
Category: Fuels
