Design of Compostable and Recyclable Modified Soybean Oil-Coated Paper with Enhanced Water and Oil Resistance

Abstract

Plastic (especially polyethylene), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and modified plant oils, such as acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO), are commonly used for paper coatings due to their excellent packaging performance. However, plastic- and plant-oil-coated paper is not recyclable and PFAS is toxic. To address these issues, a photocurable AESO emulsion was blended with a degradable cross-linker, oligoacrylate lactide/glycolide, to enhance the recyclability of the coated paper. In a parallel approach, epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) was modified with glycolic and methacrylic groups to further promote the recyclability of the coated paper. In both cases, emulsions were prepared, cast onto paper, and UV-cured prior to testing for water and oil resistance using a Cobb-1800 and kit rating tests, respectively. The coated paper was both repulpable and recyclable, as validated through standard recycling methods. Furthermore, vermicomposting tests confirmed the compostability of the coated paper. This work demonstrates a unique, naturally derived packaging alternative for PFAS and plastics in packaging applications.

Sustainable paper packaging with modified soybean oil provides superior water and oil resistance, recyclability, and vermicompostability, promoting a circular economy and advancing eco-friendly packaging solutions for a greener future.