Recent innovation in packaging coatings sector

Disha Chakraborty (DC): Sustainability is a crucial aspect of packaging today. If you can shed some light on how eco-friendly paper coatings contribute to this goal and discuss the importance of sustainable packaging solutions?
Chinmay Peshave (CP):  Sustainable packaging solutions play a vital role in reducing waste and minimising the carbon footprint of the industry. Eco-friendly paper coatings are designed to be bio-based and recyclable. This ensures that packaging materials can be reused or recycled after use. By using these coatings, we can reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources and decrease the environmental impact associated with packaging production and disposal.

DC: Moving on to barrier coatings, how do they enhance the shelf life of packaged products? Could you share an example of a successful application?
CP: Barrier coatings are designed to prevent external factors like moisture, oxygen, or light from affecting the quality and freshness of packaged products. By creating a protective layer, these coatings minimise the transfer of gases or liquids through the packaging material, thus extending the shelf life. For instance, in the food industry, barrier coatings applied to paperboard or flexible packaging materials can reduce food waste by preserving the product's freshness and preventing spoilage.

DC: How do you see the development of coatings for recycled paper contributing to the circular economy?
CP: The development of coatings for recycled paper is crucial for advancing the circular economy in the packaging industry. By improving the printability, durability, and overall performance of recycled paper, these coatings enable the wider adoption of recycled materials in packaging applications. They help create a closed-loop system where packaging materials can be continuously recycled, reducing the demand for virgin resources and minimising waste generation.
  
DC: We noticed that you hold a patent related to coating composition and coated paper/coated paperboard. Could you tell us about your work in this area and the innovations behind your patent?
CP: My work in coating composition and coated paper or coated paperboard focuses on developing novel formulations and techniques to enhance the performance and functionality of coated paper products. The patent (Patent number: 10519603) represents a significant advancement in this field.

DC: What specific aspects does your patent address in terms of coating composition and its application on paper or paperboard?
CP: The patent addresses several aspects related to coating composition and its application on paper or paperboard. It encompasses the formulation of the coating composition, which includes the selection of materials, additives, and processing methods to achieve desired properties such as gloss, smoothness, durability, and printability. Additionally, the patent covers innovative methods of applying the coatings onto the paper or paperboard surface to achieve optimal coverage and uniformity without compromising its folding performance which is extremely crucial for packaging applications.

DC: What are the key innovations or unique features of your coating composition and its application that set it apart from existing solutions?
CP: One of the key innovations of our coating composition is the combination of specific materials such as hyper platy clays and carbonates, and additives that enhance the strength performance of the coated substrates during converting operation. 

DC: How have you achieved this?
CP: We have incorporated unique hydrous kaolin clays that improve surface smoothness, increase water resistance, and enhance printability. Furthermore, our application methods ensure uniform and controlled coating coverage, leading to improved consistency and quality of the final product.

DC: How do the innovations described in your patent contribute to the packaging industry or other related applications?
CP: The innovations described in the patent have significant implications. By improving the coating composition and application methods, we can enhance the functional properties of coated paper and paperboard, making them more suitable for various packaging needs whether food packaging or pharmaceutical uses. This includes improved barrier properties, durability, and printability, which are critical for protecting and promoting packaged products in the market.