Michelman Introduces Bio-Based Coatings for Sustainable Food Packaging

Michelman has unveiled two innovative bio-based barrier coatings aimed at enhancing the sustainability of fiber-based retail food packaging. The new products, Nuvita Life 4002 and Nuvita Life 4605, are designed to provide effective oil, grease, and moisture barriers while ensuring recyclability and compostability.

Nuvita Life 4002 functions as a heat seal coating, offering oil and grease resistance, a mineral oil barrier, and robust seals across a broad sealing window. In contrast, Nuvita Life 4605 serves as a topcoat, delivering similar oil and grease resistance alongside water resistance and moisture barrier capabilities. Both coatings are 100% bio-based in their dry film form, free from microplastics, and compliant with the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD).

These coatings are engineered for crease resistance and a low coefficient of friction, making them compatible with vertical form-fill-seal processing lines. They are suitable for various applications, including pouches and sachets for dry foods, flow wraps for food bars, and envelopes for tea.

Lori Gobris, global marketing director for packaging at Michelman, emphasized that the Nuvita Life series opens new avenues for paper-based solutions in retail food applications. She noted that these technologies enable fiber-based packaging to achieve high barrier performance while adhering to regulations aimed at reducing plastic pollution and waste.

Michelman plans to showcase these coatings at Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, highlighting their commitment to sustainability in the food packaging sector.