Surface Characteristics and Repulpability Performance of Cellulose-Fiber-Based Packaging Materials Coated with Aqueous Dispersions of Wood-Bark-Derived Suberin

Abstract

Recyclability is an important feature of packaging materials. Although packaging materials made from cellulose fibers such as those found in paper or paperboard can typically be recycled through repulping, the application of coatings, especially polymeric plastic coatings, often impairs their recyclability, leading to increased amounts of rejects and low fiber yields. Herein, the surface properties and repulpability performance of paperboard substrates coated with aqueous dispersion of wood bark-derived suberin, stabilized using synthetic surfactants or bio-based surfactants, were investigated. The results were compared with commercial polyethylene coated material. Surface properties of the materials were investigated through surface imaging, water absorption, and wettability measurements. Repulpability was evaluated based on the amounts of rejects after two screening stages. Fiber analysis was performed for the materials that passed both the screenings. All suberin-coated materials showed hydrophilic surface characteristics and greater water absorbency than the reference material. Repulpability analysis revealed that the suberin coatings resulted in a lower amount of rejects than coated reference material. These results highlight the potential of suberin coatings in developing recyclable and sustainable packaging solutions for cellulose fiber substrates.