Cargill launches new starch-based barrier coatings for paper packaging

Cargill has launched its new Cargill™ Barrier Coatings product range, designed for paper packaging applications. The products utilize modified starch to create oil and grease resistant (OGR) surfaces, providing an alternative to previously used chemical treatments.

Traditionally, paper packaging has relied on fluorochemicals and plastic coatings to prevent oil and grease penetration. However, these solutions have raised concerns regarding their environmental impact and potential health risks. Cargill's new, starch-based coatings aim to address the growing demand for more sustainable packaging materials.

The new coatings function by forming a continuous film on the surface of the paper. Modification processes applied to the starch enhance its hydrophobicity and film-forming capabilities, making it an effective barrier against oil and grease. Starch also offers the advantage of being biodegradable, reducing its environmental footprint compared to synthetic alternatives.

Cargill possesses extensive experience in producing and modifying starch products for the paper industry. The company has collaborated with universities and research institutions to develop these new bio-resistant coatings. Pilot trials have indicated that the effectiveness of the coatings also depends on the paper's characteristics, such as its surface smoothness and density.