Zerocircle has unveiled its heat-sealable hydrophobic coating for paper cups made from natural polymers, said to provide water and grease resistance for hot beverages without a polyethylene lining or PFAS treatment.
The new coating is designed to be repulped in standard recycling streams and is derived from seaweed and plant-based materials. It aims to replace polyethylene lamination in conventional paper cups and the fluorochemical treatments used for water and grease resistance. It also complies with the European Union’s Single Use Plastic Directive and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Zerocircle says that cups can be formed and seam-sealed on existing converting equipment without adhesive due to the coating’s heat-sealable properties. The proprietary coating ‘integrates seamlessly’ into existing paper waste streams without requiring segregation.
The company is preparing commercial samples for existing and new clients and is targeting deployment by the end of 2026. It is working with QSR chains, catering businesses and packaging distributors across Europe to pilot the technology.
Apparently, the technology has been tested with boiling water and hot coffee, maintaining performance up to 90 degrees Celsius. Zerocircle claims to be the ‘first’ company in Asia to be certified as 100% plastic free and its materials are chemically non-modified by the Wageningen University & Research.
Zerocircle adds that its materials are certified food contact safe and REACH compliant, meaning its products are safe for humans and nature with no harmful chemicals or substances in them.
In related news, Footprint has acquired Transcend Packaging’s ‘PE-free’ hot and cold cup, lid and straw solution, designed to serve as a recyclable and home-compostable alternative to plastic-lined paper cups. Footprint plans to scale the new packaging through its Poland facility in line with plans to expand across Europe and North America.
In June a study funded by the U.S. Department of Energy revealed that researchers have converted waste sawdust into packaging foams with beeswax coatings, expected to match the strength and impact resistance of polystyrene alternatives in certain applications. The study sourced fine processed wood powder or coarse unprocessed mill waste from Hadley Mill Works and then incorporated cellulose binders and cross-linking ingredients.
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