PulPac and HSMG collaborate on plastic-free coffee lid

Swedish start-up PulPac and US based coating specialist HSMG are collaborating on a plastic-free coffee lid. The product is made out of biodegradable fibre.

Bowls, cutlery, cups - any packaging that is in contact with food - needs a barrier to prevent water and oil from leaking through. Paper and moulded fibre packaging have traditionally relied on a thin plastic film or the addition of fluorochemicals to hold out water and grease. Neither of these solutions is ideal, as plastic layers are not degradable and can be difficult to recycle. Fluorochemicals have been found to migrate into food and accumulate in our bodies, prompting them to be banned in many parts of the world. What is the answer, then, for transitioning to environmentally sustainable fibre-based packaging for food and beverages?

PulPac and HSMG have developed an innovative approach for water and oil barriers for PulPac's Dry Molded Fibre technology. A thin, stretchable sheet of substrate applied with HSMG's Protean solution is layered onto the fibre mat as the article is formed. The heat and pressure of the forming process bonds the HSMG carrier sheet to the product. The result is a strong, recyclable, biodegradable non-fossil alternative to single use plastic that holds up to hot drinks.

HSMG and PulPac announced their collaboration to develop sustainable chemicals, barriers and materials for Dry Molded Fiber in 2021, and this year will first feature Protean technology in a coffee lid for Sweden's MAX Burgers quick service restaurant chain. Other Dry Molded Fiber applications such as hot cups lids and take-away items will follow and will be available for PulPac licensees.

Source: PulPac