IIT Roorkee developed water resistant paper using bio-coating

IIT Roorkee’s Department of Paper Technology has developed water-resistant paper using a plant-based coating. The feat was accomplished by M.Tech (Paper Engineering) student, Praveen Kumar Kunam and professor, Kirtiraj Gaikwad.

18 Sep 2023 | By Disha Chakraborty

Researcher develops water-resistant paper with plant-based coating, paving the way for a plastic alternative

In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront, Praveen Kumar and Prof. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad innovation has the potential to revolutionise the packaging industry. The newly developed water-resistant paper offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic-coated packaging materials, reducing reliance on non-biodegradable products.

The research team focused on harnessing the unique properties of plant-based materials to create a durable and sustainable coating for paper. By using renewable resources, they aimed to address the growing global issue of plastic pollution, caused largely by single-use packaging materials.

The plant-based coating developed by Kunam and Gaikwad not only imparts water resistance to paper but also maintains its strength and durability. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly enhance the shelf life and overall quality of packaged goods while minimising environmental impact.


Uncoated and coated paper sheets showing resistance to water absorptivity

Speaking about their accomplishment, Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad, professor, stated, “We are thrilled to have successfully developed water-resistant paper using a plant-based coating. This innovation opens up immense possibilities for sustainable packaging, providing a viable solution to the plastic waste problem. We hope that this breakthrough will inspire other researchers and industries to adopt eco-friendly alternatives.”

Kunam, the M.Tech (Paper Engg) student who actively contributed to the project, said, “Working on this research has been an incredible experience. We aimed to develop a solution that combines functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. I am proud of our team’s achievements and believe that our water-resistant paper has the potential to make a significant positive impact on the environment.”

The water-resistant paper holds immense promise for various packaging applications, including food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and more. Its ability to resist moisture while being biodegradable makes it an ideal choice for sustainable packaging solutions. The research team is now focusing on scaling up the production process and collaborating with industry partners to bring this groundbreaking innovation to the market. 
 

Latest Poll

8.3 billion tons of plastic has been created to date globally and only 10% is being recycled. What is the solution for the plastic problem?

Results

8.3 billion tons of plastic has been created to date globally and only 10% is being recycled. What is the solution for the plastic problem?

Reducing the use of inks in the laminates by 50%

 

16.67%

Use of mono material laminate structure

 

23.81%

Adapting lap seal structures

 

11.90%

Manufacture polymers and polymer products which are 100% recyclable

 

47.62%

Total Votes : 42

Events

PackPlus 2023

Oct 19 - Oct 19 2023
The PackPlus show, covering the ent....