Michelman continues building on its 70-year history of sustainable technology as three of its PFAS-free coatings – Michem Coat 2000, Michem Coat 525, and Hydraban 8000, have recently complied with the specifications established by the American Society for Testing and Materials standards ASTM D6400 and D6868 per the terms and conditions of Biodegradable Products Institute’s (BPI) certification program for compostable products.
Rick Michelman, chief technology officer and EVP for Americas and printing and packaging, says, “As a supplier to brand owners and other members of the packaging supply chain, we want to help transition the industry into more sustainable packaging. BPI has the largest certification program for compostable products and packaging in North America, and getting awarded BPI certification means the industry can trust that our products have gone through a rigorous testing process.”
These products have had biodegradation and ecotoxicity testing in order to receive BPI certification. This testing means that Michelman BPI-certified coatings are proven to biodegrade in an industrial compost environment and can be used in typical quantities in the applications for which they are designed, with minimal limitations.
The newly developed Michem Coat 2000 and Michem Coat 525 are functional coatings that provide maximum oil and grease performance in fiber-based food service applications. Hydraban 8000 is a water-resistant paper coating with excellent gluability and printability used for food packaging.
Rick Michelman adds, “We design solutions with the circular economy in mind, combined with what we are hearing from our converter customers and the brands they serve. Paper-based packaging materials coated with our functional coatings are typically repulpable and recyclable. Now, our growing portfolio of certified compostable coatings provides brand owners with more sustainable options to achieve the performance they need and help divert packaging from landfills.”
Michelman’s portfolio of compostable coatings is currently available in North America, with global development under way.