Imagine a paper wrapper for snacks that acts like plastic to keep grease and air out, but disappears like a piece of fruit if it ends up in the ocean. It uses a special protein made from leftover milk to create a protective shield on the paper. When it hits a recycling center, the coating simply dissolves in water, letting the paper be recycled perfectly.
Food companies struggle to replace multilayer plastic packaging because paper lacks the necessary grease and gas barriers. Current alternatives often fail to be truly recyclable or biodegradable in marine environments.
Adapted formulations for dispersion and extrusion coating using a casein-based thermoplastic material for paper-based food packaging.
If you are a candy manufacturer dealing with plastic waste in wrappers — this project developed a protein-based coating that provides gas and grease barriers. It allows your packaging to be fully recyclable and biodegradable in less than 30 days.
If you are a dairy producer dealing with multilayer plastic films — this project developed a casein-based material for paper coating. This solution protects fatty foods while ensuring the packaging is home compostable.
If you are a food chain dealing with litter on beaches and in cities — this project developed a material that is biodegradable in marine environments in days. This cuts a major plastic stream entering the environment and seas.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost-per-unit comparisons are not provided.
The project developed formulations for dispersion coating and extrusion coating, which are standard industrial processes for paper applications.
The project was coordinated by Lactips, a material producer. Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not listed.
It aligns with the European Commission's goal for all packaging to be reusable, mechanically recyclable, or compostable by 2030.
The material is biodegradable in all environments at the same rate as organic food, typically in less than 30 days.
The project is led by a single French SME, Lactips, which acted as both the coordinator and the sole industrial partner. This 100% industry-led structure indicates a strong commercial drive and a direct path to market, as the developer is the raw material producer themselves.
Contact Lactips (France) regarding their casein-based thermoplastic coatings.
Contact SciTransfer to connect with Lactips for pilot integration.
