Traditional single-use coffee cups are coated with a thin plastic lining to prevent leaks and add strength to the container. Since this plastic lining cannot be easily separated from the paper substrate, the cups are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills, creating an environmental crisis. Several high-profile retail brands are already taking steps to reduce the plastic waste that results from cups, using remedies like per-cup fees and more environmentally-friendly materials.

PROTĒAN’s water barrier coating solution offers an effective, safe and economical alternative:

• Cups using PROTĒAN technology can be recycled in the regular stream of paper recyclables. No special collection processes or programs are required.
• Since PROTĒAN is integrated into the paper matrix, it will not separate from the fibers during recycling, eliminating contamination concerns associated with wax and silicone-based coatings.
• PROTĒAN coatings are compliant with FDA food contact regulations.