Working as part of an EU research consortium, the Paint Research Association (PRA) part of Pera Technology has developed a food packaging coating product, called PlantPack, which can replace coatings based on petrochemicals. PlantPack is an eco-friendly coating made from seaweed extracts and starch. It can be applied to paper and cardboard as a spray.
Ian Claris, director of PRA, says: "PlantPack is a real breakthrough for packing technology as it means at last there is a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived coating products. And because it's a biodegradable product, it can be composted and recycled easily. So it's better for the environment and performs at least as well as the existing products."
Food packaging coatings are used on paper wraps, cartons and cardboard. They protect food in the packaging container during storage and transportation.
Although seaweed extracts have been used before as sustainable barriers for food products, they have never been applied as a coating for packaging products as they haven't been as flexible or strong, claims the PRA.
Contact: Pera Technology