Paper packaging coated with Luminy PLA from Total Corbion PLA, such as coffee cups or take-out containers, is now not only certified compostable, but also certified as recyclable.
The new development offers an additional option for applications based on coated board/paper, such as coffee cups and take-out containers, and ensures that valuable resources can be reused for new products.
Total Corbion PLA now shows that cartonboard coated with Luminy PLA does not impair the recyclability of the paper or the conversion into pulp. Coating cartonboard with Luminy PLA therefore not only enables the widespread option of industrial composting at the end of life (EN13432), but now also supports the material utilisation in existing recycling streams.
Luminy PLA enables fully bio-based packaging solution
The recyclability of the PLA-coated cartonboard was certified by Western Michigan University, and the cartonboard samples for the trial were provided by Metpack, a specialist in extruded, barrier-coated, food-grade cartonboard.
Luminy PLA can be processed on conventional extrusion coating lines for cardboard at competitive speeds. The use of a PLA coating enables fully bio-based solution with excellent seal strength and printability, which requires no pre-treatment. As PLA, like paper, is a polar material, excellent adhesion can be achieved. The PLA coating provides a good flavour and aroma barrier as well as excellent resistance to fats and mineral oils. In addition, Total Corbion PLA has shown that Luminy PLA-coated cartonboard can now be can be used for containers that can be heated in the microwave or oven. can be reheated for immediate consumption of food, further extending the application window.
„At Total Corbion PLA, we are passionate about developing applications together with our customers to achieve new levels of production efficiency, product performance and sustainability. By demonstrating the recyclability of PLA-coated cartonboard, we have created an additional and even more valuable end-of-life option that can benefit the entire value chain.“ Jenifer Mitja, application specialist at Total Corbion PLA and project manager
„Packaging in general is under pressure from consumers and governments around the world to become more sustainable. The ability to recycle PLA-coated cartonboard gives brand owners, retailers, foodservice operators and waste management companies the opportunity, work with a bio-based packaging solution that can either be composted or recycled, depending on what is most environmentally friendly for the application in question. We are very proud to be able to make a further contribution to promoting the circular economy,“ says Thomas Philipon, CEO of Total Corbion PLA.
SourceTotal Corbion PLA
