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Sustainable coatings for disposable paper cups

Are you a start-up or scale-up with innovative coatings for paper cups?

We are scouting for solutions on behalf our our client, a leading global packaging company, dedicated to sustainability and innovation. They are looking for sustainable, water-based alternatives to replace the polyethylene (PE) coating used in single-use paper cups.

Join us and apply!

Water-based alternatives to replace the current polyethylene coating in single-use paper cups

Each year, billions of paper cups are used, highlighting the importance of finding sustainable alternatives to traditional PE coatings. While PE coatings provide essential functionality, they also present challenges in recycling processes due to their barrier properties. We are committed to exploring innovative solutions that enhance the environmental sustainability of paper cups while preserving their essential performance characteristics.

Key requirements

  • Coating type: Water-based coating, with water and oil resistance properties equivalent to the current PE coating.
  • Rejected off-quality paper brokability: Off-quality paper needs to be brokable without system contamination. That is, the coating needs to be mill repulpable.
  • Sealing: The coating needs to be compatible with hot air sealing.
  • [Nice to have] The coating needs to be compatible with bent-blade or rod coating applications.
  • [Nice to have] Quality: The coating needs to be completely non-blocking at the reel. This is a key requirement as the blocking makes further processing impossible.
  • Note: It is acceptable for solutions to have two different types of coating compositions if it improves the criteria described.
  • FDA compliant, meeting CFR 21 176.170 A through H (or regional equivalent standard like BFR). We may also consider coatings composed of FDA-approved components, even if their specific mixture has not yet been certified.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4-5: The technology has been successfully tested and validated in a relevant environment, closely simulating real-world conditions. The system’s components have been integrated and demonstrated to function cohesively, confirming the technology’s performance and readiness for further development.

 

How to apply

To apply for the challenge, please fill out the application form on this page.

 

If we determine that your solution aligns well with our needs based on the provided information, we will contact you with a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP). 

Key elements to submit

The application form will will gather detailed information about your company, your solution and how it addresses the specific challenge. You can also upload any supporting documents that might help us better understand what you can offer. 

The full Request for Proposal (RFP) documentation will require a more comprehensive view of your capabilities, enabling us to make a final assessment.

 

 

Your journey
starts here

20 Nov

Final deadline to submit the application form. If we determine that your solution aligns well with our needs based on the provided information, we will contact you with a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP).

22 Nov

All proposals must be submitted by the specified closing date. Late submissions will not be accepted.

6 Dec

Proposals are reviewed. We will reach out to pre-selected solution providers to arrange a pitch date.

9-13 Dec

Selected solution providers will be invited to pitch their proposals to the client.

End of Dec

Final evaluation and selection of the most suitable solutions.

Next

Pilot preparation and launch to test the selected solutions.

Contact us

For general enquiries about this challenge, please reach out to [email protected] and [email protected]

 

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