Improve Waste Management Solution of Liquid Barrier Paper Packaging by Using Water-based Polymer Coating Replacing the Plastic Film Lamination

This research aimed to study the properties of water-based polymer coated paper instead of film lamination and the possible of waste management through paper recycling. The barrier property of the coated Kraft paper was analyzed by using Cobb test compared to the non-coated paper. The results showed that Kraft paper with a smoother surface coated with the higher viscosity of water-based polymer was better in water resistance. The coated paper samples were also improved in tensile strength and burst resistance and could be heat-sealed to make a side-sealed bag for filling the liquid substance without leakage. For waste management by paper recycling, the polymer film on the coated paper was easily removed from the disintegrated pulp with a nonionic surfactant mixed with sodium silicate solution before forming the paper sheet. The residual film spots as defects on the recycled paper was inspected and the transfer of water-based printing ink was observed. The smoother surface of paper with the lower viscosity of barrier coating had fewer film spot defects on the surface. Therefore, the water-based polymer coating could be alternatively applied to replace the plastic-film lamination for barrier properties of eco-friendly paper packaging and enhance waste management by using recycling process.