Plastic waste, which poses a threat to the environment, has been steadily increasing in Germany in recent years, particularly due to packaging materials. To address this issue, plant-based coatings for paper packaging could emerge as a sustainable alternative in the future.
In the BioPlas4Paper project, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST, along with their partners, are utilizing a coating technique called plasma polymerization to develop water-repellent, plant-based barrier coatings for paper. This innovation enhances the paper's ability to withstand weather conditions.
While plastic packaging remains a significant environmental concern, paper is constructed from renewable resources. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, paper decomposes and does not stay in the ground for extended periods.
However, untreated paper lacks a barrier against humidity and oxygen. It is susceptible to temperature variations, vulnerable to moisture and bacteria, and often features uneven surfaces.
To maximize the material's potential, enhance recycling methods, substitute plastic packaging, and explore new applications, it is crucial to improve the lifespan, durability, and quality of paper products.
This is the focus of the Fraunhofer IST researchers in the BioPlas4Paper project, who are collaborating closely with both the Technical University of Darmstadt and the Thünen Institute of Wood Research.
To develop uniform, moisture-repellent coatings for paper, the project partners are investigating plant-based materials such as oregano and chia oil, as well as extracts from bark. These plant ingredients offer several beneficial properties, including antibacterial effects.
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