News Application Areas
Shellac coating enhances paperboard barrier properties for food packaging
Natural resin shellac has been shown to significantly improve water and oxygen barrier properties of bagasse paperboard. A two-layer coating with 40 % shellac proved most effective in extending food shelf life.
In a study exploring sustainable packaging solutions, researchers investigated shellac—a biodegradable polyacid resin—as a coating for bagasse paperboard (BP). The effects of varying shellac concentrations (24, 40, 60 %) and layer numbers (1–4) were evaluated. A two-layer, 40 % shellac coating resulted in the greatest improvement in barrier properties.
This configuration reduced oxygen permeability by 99.5 %, water vapour permeability by 82.2 %, and water absorbency by 97.5 %. Additionally, the coating enhanced thermal stability without negatively impacting mechanical performance.
Reading tip: Functional Coatings
The “EC Tech Report Functional Coatings” gives you an up-to-date bundle on automotive coatings with articles, videos and other handpicked content. In addition to technical articles about the latest technical developments, this all-in-one multi-media pack is rounded off with valuable market insights and important fundamentals about automotive coatings formulation.
Shelf life extension through bio-based coatings
In a practical simulation, the shellac-coated BP extended the shelf life of packaged potato chips by up to 50 days. These findings demonstrate the potential of shellac for eco-friendly, high-performance food packaging applications.
Source: Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 207, October 2025, 109395.
