New Paper Coating Technology Offers Alternative to Polyethylene Packaging

by Judy Rice

ADM Tronics Unlimited, Inc., Northvale, NJ, has introduced a new coating technology designed for use in the manufacture of water, grease, and oil-resistant paper and paperboard. The company, which has no connection to Archer Daniels Midland, believes the new water-based, acrylic complex resin can offer an environmentally beneficial alternative to polyethylene coatings for such products as fast-food sandwich wraps, cold drink cups, and folding cartons for fresh baked goods and other foods. The coated surface is glossy, smooth, durable, and heat-sealable.

Company spokesman Andre DiMino told Food Online that the FDA-compliant direct food-contact resin, Aqualene 4357, "is adaptable to existing off-machine coating equipment." He further notes, "Because good performance can be achieved with an extremely light laydown of coating, Aqualene 4357 is very cost-competitive with polyethylene coatings. And unlike poly-coated paper packaging, which typically is incinerated or landfilled, Aqualene-coated paper can be easily recycled. The coating breaks down in standard repulping operations, so the coated paper can be recycled into new paper products."

DiMino reports that ADM Tronics has begun supplying trial samples of Aqualene to companies interested in producing recyclable coated paper stock. He predicts there will be a commercial application by this Autumn.

For more information contact Andre Dimino, ADM Tronics Unlimited, Inc., 224 Pegasus Ave., Northvale, NJ 07647. Tel: 201-767-6040.