# Moving Toward Paperization of Packaging Industry: Use of Laponite and Montmorillonite Nanoclays for Recyclable and Biodegradable High-Barrier Paper

## TL;DR

This paper explores using nanoclays to create recyclable, biodegradable paper with high oxygen barriers as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging.

## Contribution

A novel biodegradable paper coating using laponite and montmorillonite nanoclays is developed with high oxygen barrier properties.

## Key findings

- Laponite-based coatings significantly reduced oxygen permeability compared to PET film.
- The coated paper is recyclable and repulpable under FBA protocol.
- The material avoids microplastic and PFAS release.

## Abstract

Plastic packaging raises environmental concerns due to
the release
of microplastics, which has led to increasing interest in paper as
an alternative to plastic packaging. However, creating paper that
is both recyclable and biodegradable (no microplastic formation over
its lifecycle) and still providing the needed oxygen barrier has been
a challenging task to achieve. Reported herein is the use of biodegradable
poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) for paper coating, incorporating different
nanoclays (laponite and montmorillonite) at various concentrations
and assessing their barrier properties. Analysis of the gas, moisture,
thermal, and mechanical properties of the samples showed enhanced
performance, particularly for laponite-based samples. At a temperature
of 23 °C and 50% relative humidity, the oxygen permeability coefficient
(OP) of the best sample was 0.875 ± 0.02 cm3·mm/m2·day, 9-fold lower than that of polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) film (11.68 ± 0.41 cm3·mm/m2·day) of 0.058 mm thickness. The coated paper is also repulpable
and recyclable per the FBA protocol. Overall, this work offers an
opportunity to develop alternative packaging materials with good oxygen
barriers and mechanical properties without releasing microplastics
or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment.