Phase I
We proposed the use of biobased & biodegradable feedstocks (naturally abundant polysaccharides & fatty acids derived from renewable resources like crab shells & vegetable oil) as materials for coating of biodegradable plastics to improve oxygen and water vapor barrier properties. The coated polymer films demonstrated excellent barrier properties.
Phase II
The target for phase-II is to significantly scale up the production capability and meet requirements of the MDI our partners in producing barrier layer lined packages for coffee beans based on the coating technology developed in phase–I. Further research will be carried out in following areas to improve the properties:
- Fine tuning of starting materials to provide applicability of coating solution on wide variety of substrate.
- Development of different coating strategies to minimize ultimate production cost.
- Scaling up synthesis in an energy efficient manner
- Demonstration of barrier properties for food packaging applications satisfying the FDA regulations.
- Overall sustainability and long-term viability of these bio-based packages proposed in this project will be ascertained by carrying out a Compostability studies and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).
