Technology
Cellulose-based materials are already coveted for their high thermal stability, effective oxygen barrier function, chemical and mechanical resilience, ability to fully biodegrade and non-toxic nature.
These characteristics make cellulose and its derivatives the material of choice for environmentally friendly packaging, food service applications and single-use disposable goods. However, a key challenge of the format for these sectors is its hydrophilicity and many of the available coating solutions which can be used to add water-resistant properties to cellulose based materials, including fossil-fuel based resins and polymers, are harmful to the environment.
HSMG PROTĒAN Applications
PROTĒAN® is an environmentally friendly additive and barrier coating platform technology that improves cellulose-based materials used in packaging solutions for packaging, pulp and paper manufacturers.
When utilizing a PROTĒAN based formulation, the final product can potentially maintain the biodegradable properties of cellulose, but still provide superior water, oil and grease resistance.
PROTĒAN can also be used as an emulsifier by being added to binders to make paper-based products oil and grease resistant. Due to the composition, PROTĒAN resists blocking, solving a long-running issue for some barrier coating alternatives.
The formulations contain no volatile compounds, can be converted into high solids coatings and offer an easy, drop-in solution that can be used by all commercial mills without a large capital investment. This adaptable chemistry also has great potential for new formulations and technologies to be developed.
PROTĒAN® Water Barrier
Sustainable Water-resistant Solutions for Paper-based Packaging
PROTĒAN Water offers eco-friendly coating solutions for single-use paper packaging products which must be durable, versatile, visually appealing and provide superior water-resistance. It replaces traditional plastic coatings, bioplastics, waxes and silicones.
The patented plant-based formula is a recyclable, efficient and cost-effective alternative for pulp & paper manufacturers.
Plastic free
Silicone free
Recyclable
Compostable
Biodegradable

PROTĒAN® Water Barrier Benefits
PROTĒAN Water is distinguishable from competitive legacy technologies in four key areas:
Sustainability
- Derived from natural and renewable resources
- Coated paper is re-pulpable
- Most products made with PROTEAN are certifiable for composting
Efficiency
- Compatible with existing paper mill coating and converting operations
- Excellent mill runnability, product convertibility and printability
- Coats and dries quickly
Versatility
- Suitable for hot and cold products
- Can be applied on one or both sides of paper
- Suitable as an emulsion for other coating agents
- Compatible with bleached or unbleached papers
Safety
- FDA approved under 21 CFR 172.867
- Meets specifications described in Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notices GRN 227 and 325
- BFR XXXVI & XXXVI/2
- Non-toxic
PROTĒAN® OGR Barrier
Sustainable Oil and Grease-Resistant Solutions for Paper-based Packaging
PROTĒAN OGR offers the ability to formulate eco-friendly coating solutions for paper packaging products in the food service and retail sectors. This patented technology is FDA-approved for food contact, offers superior oil and grease resistance properties. This allows manufacturers to replace papers which are treated with harmful fluorochemicals or use plastic coatings.
As a truly green alternative our formulations offer double the range of 3M kit values when compared to existing fluorine-free alternatives. The grease barrier properties allow the paper-based packaging to maintain dry strength while delivering impressive grease-resistance properties to paper with a lower overall coat weight.
Plastic free
Fluorochemical free
Recyclable
Compostable
Biodegradable

PROTĒAN® OGR Barrier Benefits
PROTĒAN OGR is distinguishable from competitive legacy technologies in four key areas:
Sustainability
- Derived from natural and renewable resources
- Coated paper is re-pulpable
- Most products made with PROTEAN are certifiable for composting
Efficiency
- Compatible with existing paper mill coating and converting operations
- Excellent mill runnability, product convertibility and printability
- Coats and dries quickly
Versatility
- Available in a full spectrum of 3M kit values (3-12)
- Can be applied on one or both sides of paper
- Suitable as an emulsion for other coating agents
- Compatible with bleached or unbleached papers
Safety
- Meets specifications described in Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notice GRN 514
- Fulfills requirements for ASTM 6400 and 6868; CAN/BNQ 0017-008; ISO 17088 and 16929; and EN 13432
- BFR XXXVI & XXXVI/2
- FDA approved under 21 CFR 175 - 186
- Non-toxic