Topchim introduces new biopolymer as a wax substitute for packaging

Topchim (Antwerp, Belgium) has announced the introduction of an environmental friendly, patented, nano-dispersed biopolymer as a substitute for wax emulsions in producing super hydrophobic paper and cardboard packaging.

As Topchim state, 'The packaging industry is seeking easy recyclable and environmental friendly packaging solutions made of renewable resources. TopChim ........ has developed an innovative biopolymer as a competitive, ecological substitute for wax emulsions used in the coating production of hydrophobic paper and board packaging. This 2-year research program has resulted in a new coating technology for paper and cardboard that counters the disadvantages of using wax emulsions while maintaining the excellent water barrier performances.'

What is it? The new biopolymer is of vegetable origin, while most used wax emulsions are produced from petrochemicals; it is biopolymer with a monodisperse size-distribution of nano-particles with a regular shape; and, it is reported to show other important advantages for the surface treatment of paper and cardboard compared to the use of wax emulsions:

• requires no stabilizers even with a high solid content
• viscosity remains low (65% solids at +/- 300 cps with Brookfield 23°C 100 rpm spindle 5)
  
• coating machines can simply be rinsed with water
  
• has a higher temperature resistance and is less sticky, which improves the handling of the treated paper and cardboard in production.

Marketed as TopScreen DS13, it is approved for a wide variety of paper and board coating applications, both in-line and off-machine.

TopScreen DS13 will be introduced during the second half of 2008 in Europe and South America. TopChim has a total production capacity of 10,000 tons at 2 plants in Europe with plans to invest in additional production capacity in South America.

The announcement highlights the opportunity to replace wax but does not mention opportunities to replace fluorochemicals where paper and packaging companies continue to look for fluorine-free alternatives. See one of the earlier blogs, or look at all our related blogs by clicking on the drop-down menu on the right hand side --> 'blog topics', 'p fluorochemicals'.

PFOS, PFOA, bioaccumulation, Canda International