Short answer

When designing paperboard packaging for greasy or oily products, opt for bio-based dispersion coatings and carefully manage post-application treatments like corona discharge to maintain optimal grease resistance.

Field: Final Production
Source: LUTPub (LUT University) (2016)
Method: Experimental research and material testing.
Evidence: Strong effect

Utilizing bio-based components like hydroxypropylated starch or cellulose, combined with a styrene-butadiene latex binder and talc, can create paperboard coatings with significant grease and oil barrier properties, lasting from hours to days. This final production research insight is drawn from a 2016 study published in LUTPub (LUT University). Using Experimental research and material testing., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing paperboard packaging for greasy or oily products, opt for bio-based dispersion coatings and carefully manage post-application treatments like corona discharge to maintain optimal grease resistance.

Study

Final ProductionHigh ImpactStrong effect

Bio-based coatings enhance grease resistance in paperboard packaging

LUTPub (LUT University) · 2016

Key Findings

01Bio-based dispersion coatings can provide grease resistance lasting from a few hours to several days.
02Specific coating compositions achieved oil penetration resistance for a 24-hour test period (ISO 16532-1).
03Corona treatment can significantly decrease oil penetration time, especially at higher voltages, by affecting the electrical conductivity of the paperboard.
04Exposure to heat during converting processes may potentially improve oil repellency.
05Reverse side effects (grease penetration from the uncoated side) were not prevented by the coatings.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When developing new food packaging, explore the use of bio-based dispersion coatings and conduct thorough testing of the entire converting process to ensure the integrity of the grease barrier.

Project actions

01When researching materials, look for bio-based alternatives that offer specific functional properties like grease resistance.
02Consider the entire product lifecycle, including manufacturing and end-of-life, when making material choices.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the effectiveness of bio-based dispersion coatings in providing grease and oil resistance to paperboard for packaging applications.

MethodExperimental research and material testing.

ProcedureDispersion coatings containing bio-based components (hydroxypropylated starch or cellulose), a styrene-butadiene latex binder, and talc were applied to paperboard using a blade-coating technique. The grease resistance was tested by measuring the time for a model grease to penetrate the coated paperboard under various conditions, including different coating compositions and ambient temperatures. The impact of corona treatment and heat exposure during converting processes on barrier properties was also evaluated.

ContextPaperboard packaging for food products.

Variables

IV["Coating composition (bio-based component type, binder, talc content)","Corona treatment (presence, voltage)","Heat exposure"]

DV["Grease penetration time","Oil penetration time","Contact angle"]

CV["Paperboard substrate type","Model grease composition","Ambient temperature during testing (where not a variable)"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Investigates a relevant and timely topic of sustainable packaging.
+Tests the impact of common converting processes on barrier performance.

Limitations

The study focused on specific types of bio-based materials and a particular application method. Results might vary with different materials, substrates, or application techniques.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is supported by adherence to an ISO standard for grease resistance testing. Reliability would depend on the consistency of the coating application and the precision of the timing measurements.

Think critically

How might the 'reverse side effects' mentioned in the study impact the practical application of these bio-based coatings in real-world food packaging scenarios?

Design Principles

"Sustainable material selection and process-aware design are critical for achieving desired functional performance in packaging."

This research offers a sustainable alternative to oil-based plastics for food packaging. Developing effective bio-based barrier coatings is crucial for meeting consumer demand for eco-friendly products and reducing environmental impact.

What This Means for Your Design

You can make paper packaging better at stopping grease and oil by adding special coatings made from plants and other natural stuff. This is a good way to make packaging more eco-friendly. But, be careful with some machines that treat the paper, as they might make the grease protection worse.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the selection of sustainable barrier materials for packaging in your design project.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

Research by Ovaska (2016) highlights the potential of bio-based dispersion coatings, incorporating materials like hydroxypropylated starch or cellulose, to significantly enhance the grease and oil barrier properties of paperboard. This offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic-based packaging, though careful consideration of manufacturing processes, such as corona treatment, is necessary to avoid compromising the barrier performance.

Source

LUTPub (LUT University)

Oil and grease barrier properties of converted dispersion-coated paperboards

journal · 2016

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about bio-based coatings enhance grease resistance in paperboard packaging?: When designing paperboard packaging for greasy or oily products, opt for bio-based dispersion coatings and carefully manage post-application treatments like corona discharge to maintain optimal grease resistance. Evidence: LUTPub (LUT University) (2016).
Why does "Bio-based coatings enhance grease resistance in paperboard packaging" matter for design?: This research offers a sustainable alternative to oil-based plastics for food packaging. Developing effective bio-based barrier coatings is crucial for meeting consumer demand for eco-friendly products and reducing environmental impact.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing paperboard packaging for greasy or oily products, opt for bio-based dispersion coatings and carefully manage post-application treatments like corona discharge to maintain optimal grease resistance.
What were the main findings?: Bio-based dispersion coatings can provide grease resistance lasting from a few hours to several days.. Specific coating compositions achieved oil penetration resistance for a 24-hour test period (ISO 16532-1).. Corona treatment can significantly decrease oil penetration time, especially at higher voltages, by affecting the electrical conductivity of the paperboard.. Exposure to heat during converting processes may potentially improve oil repellency.
What research method was used?: Experimental research and material testing..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2016 journal from LUTPub (LUT University).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When developing new food packaging, explore the use of bio-based dispersion coatings and conduct thorough testing of the entire converting process to ensure the integrity of the grease barrier.
What are the limitations?: The study did not fully prevent reverse side effects, meaning grease could still penetrate from the uncoated side. The long-term durability and performance under diverse real-world conditions were not extensively detailed.