Paper Cup Barrier Coating
report_problem Problem Statement
An estimated 250 billion paper cups are used globally each year, virtually all lined with polyethylene (PE) film to prevent liquid penetration. This PE lining makes paper cups non-recyclable in standard paper recycling streams and non-compostable in industrial composting facilities. Most PE-lined cups end up in landfills where the plastic persists for centuries. PLA-lined alternatives require industrial composting unavailable in most regions and contaminate PET recycling streams.
trending_up Market Size
$1.8B global paper cup market (growing 4.5% CAGR)
gavel Regulatory Drivers
EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (2019/904) mandates collection targets and EPR for cups. France bans single-use plastic-lined disposable cups (Loi AGEC, effective 2023). India bans single-use plastic cups and plates (2022). UK Plastic Packaging Tax (April 2022) imposes GBP 200/tonne on packaging with <30% recycled plastic. EU PPWR revision mandates recyclability-by-design for all packaging by 2030. Municipal composting certifications (BPI, OK Compost) drive demand for truly compostable barriers.
corporate_fare Enterprise Interest
No enterprise interest recorded yet. Companies can indicate their volume and urgency to help guide research priorities.
flag Success Criteria
Cobb60 value below 10 g/m2 (comparable to PE-lined cupstock). Cup holds 90C water for minimum 2 hours without visible leakage or structural failure. Kit test rating of 4 or higher for grease resistance. Coated paperboard achieves full fiber dispersion in standard repulpability test (water soak at pH 10, 45C, 30 minutes). Passes aerobic compostability screening per preliminary biodegradation assessment.
precision_manufacturing Equipment Needed
Mayer rod/drawdown bar set, forced-air oven, Cobb test apparatus, cupstock paperboard (200 gsm food-grade), manual or benchtop cup-forming die (or pre-formed uncoated cup blanks), analytical balance, thermometer, timer, hot plate or kettle for 90C water, graduated cylinders, starch (food-grade), pH meter, ASTM D4499 apparatus if available
menu_book Existing References
Reference list will be published with protocols.
Protected Research Content
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