The problem with PE lamination
PE extrusion coating bonds a plastic film to paper to provide moisture and grease resistance. It works well — but the plastic layer means the paper usually can't be recycled in standard streams and can't be composted. With the EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), plastic taxes, and brand commitments to recyclable/compostable packaging, PE lamination is increasingly a liability.
Why move off PE
- Recyclability — PE-coated paper is hard to repulp/recycle
- Compostability — plastic layers fail compost certification
- Regulation — EU PPWR, plastic packaging taxes
- Brand goals — "plastic-free" and "compostable" pledges
How a PE-free coating works
Instead of laminating a plastic film, a water-based bio coating is applied to the paper (on the same kind of coating line) and dried, forming a thin barrier layer. A good bio-based coating delivers grease, oil and water resistance — and, with a nanocellulose system, also a meaningful oxygen barrier — while keeping the paper recyclable and, if fully bio-based, compostable.
ZnoNova Biopack's biomass coating liquid is a nanocellulose-based PE-free coating: applied on existing lines, PFAS-free and plastic-free, food-contact grade, designed to be compostable (certification in progress).
| Property | PE lamination | Bio-based PE-free coating |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture / grease barrier | Good | Good (grease + water + O₂) |
| Recyclable | Difficult | Yes (repulpable, fiber-based) |
| Compostable | No | Designed to be (if fully bio-based) |
| PFAS | — | PFAS-free |
| Line | Extrusion coater | Standard coating line |
What to check before switching
- Barrier: does the coating hit your grease (Kit), water (cobb) and — if needed — oxygen targets?
- Coat weight & line: can it run on your coater at a viable coat weight and speed?
- Heat-seal: if you need sealable paper, confirm sealing behaviour.
- End-of-life: recyclable (repulpable) and/or compostable — with certification.
- Food contact & PFAS-free: documentation and a TOF test.
Replace PE lamination with a bio-coating
Request a sample of our PE-free nanocellulose coating and trial it on your line.
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Tell us your application — a real person replies within 1–2 business days.
Frequently asked questions
What is a PE-free paper coating?
A water-based, bio coating applied to paper instead of a polyethylene (PE) film. It provides grease, water and (with nanocellulose) oxygen barrier while keeping the paper recyclable and, if fully bio-based, compostable — unlike PE lamination.
Can PE-free coated paper be recycled?
Yes — because it is fiber-based without a plastic layer, it is generally repulpable/recyclable in paper streams, and a fully bio-based version can also be composted.
Does it run on existing coating lines?
A coating liquid is applied on standard paper coating lines (no extrusion lamination needed). Confirm coat weight, speed and drying for your specific line.
※ General technical information on PE-free coatings. ZnoNova Biopack figures are tested values; recyclability/compostability/PFAS-free claims are supported by testing/certification available or in progress — confirm current status before on-pack claims.