Smart Planet debuts recyclable coated cups

Smart Planet Technologies Inc. and printing and packaging distribution company PrintWinner have announced the commercial availability of designed-for-recycling paper hot cups that use a coating called EarthCoating.

 

According to Newport Beach, California-based Smart Planet Technologies, EarthCoating is a “highly mineralized coating providing high barrier and heat seal performance while containing 40 percent less plastic than traditional 100-percent-polyethylene coatings.” 

 

EarthCoating is engineered for processing within the traditional paper recycling (paper mill) infrastructure, the company says. “Paper cups with EarthCoating with select specifications have successfully completed recyclability and repulpability testing at Georgia Tech’s Institute of Paper Science and Technology and the Newark Recycled Paperboard Solutions,” Smart Planet Technologies states in a press release.

 

Traditionally, paper cups and packaging used for hot and cold drinks and ice cream have been coated with 100 percent polyethylene and similar materials, which are often destined for the landfill after one-time use. 

 

Recycling collection pilot programs are being planned so specific packages can be labeled recyclable, subject to Federal Trade Commission Green Guide stipulations. In addition, cup manufacturing companies can commercially recycle their trimmings, with Newark Recycled Paperboard Solutions “actively seeking paperboard materials with EarthCoating from both pre- and postconsumer collections,” according to Smart Planet Technologies.

 

“The use of EarthCoating tackles the long-standing challenge to find a recyclable material for paper cups,” says Chris Tilton, chief technology officer of Smart Planet Technologies. “I believe this to be the technology breakthrough sought by all environmentally conscious retailers such as coffee shops and other food service providers. EarthCoating continues to prove itself as a superior technology to 100 percent polyethylene in applications that require high performance heat seal and barrier requirements.”

 

Smart Planet Technologies bills itself as a materials intellectual property company focused on sustainability for the packaging industry. The cups are available on the website of California-based PrintWinner at www.PrintWinner.com.