Sustainable water barrier for disposable paper cups for a global packaging company
Join us to make single-use paper cups environmentally friendly
Our client
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.
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 adhesive 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.
- Usage: The coating needs to be able to withstand 72 hours of continuous usage.
- Rejected off-quality paper brokability: Off-quality paper needs to be brokable without system contamination. The coating cannot interfere with this process.
- Drying: The current paper machine is capable of drying coating up to 15 gsm at a 50% solid content. Coatings that are lower in solids will limit the amount of coat weight added but will be considered.
- Temperature: Initial water holdout to start at 95C to mimic hot liquids.
- Multi-layer: The use of 2 layers of coatings is encouraged to reduce risks of defects and leaking. The particular defects that are a main concern for the company are streaks, scratches, drags and bottom leaking.
- Quality: The coating needs to be completely non-blocking at the reel. This is a key requirement as the blocking makes further processing impossible.
- Speed: The solution needs to be able to be converted into cups at a rate of 300 cups per minute.
- Sealing: The coating needs to be compatible with hot air sealing.
- [Nice to have] Stiffness and durability is expected to be improved compared to the uncoated paper.
- [Nice to have] Non-sealing coating options: The main focus is the finding of solutions that improve the preparation of paper cups; on the other hand, the company is also interested in finding solutions that do not require sealing for other applications. 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).
- Non-hazardous materials are expected to be used on site; no pictograms on SDS other than irritants are acceptable.
- Meeting the Western Michigan University SBS – E recyclability test or region equivalent.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 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.
Practicalities
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 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.
Timeline
Your journey starts here
6 Sept
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).
13 Sept
All proposals must be submitted by the specified closing date. Late submissions will not be accepted.
4 Oct
Proposals are reviewed. We will reach out to pre-selected solution providers to arrange a pitch date.
14-18 Oct
Selected solution providers will be invited to pitch their proposals to the client.
25 Oct
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]
