Green-Tech start-up Melodea has launched a recyclable cellulose-coated packaging that meets higher ethical standards and reduces plastic waste.

Israeli start-up Melodea has already won two of the most prestigious awards in packaging. This includes the Packaging Europe 2019 Sustainability Award and the WorldStar 2020 Award from the World Packaging Organisation.

Melodea offers durable coatings that provide a barrier to oxygen, oil and grease, as well as water vapour. These coatings allow the paper and packaging industries to replace existing environmentally harmful materials with an environmentally friendly and recyclable alternative, without compromising performance.

Cellulose nanocrystals, a revolutionary packaging solution

The approach of one of the most innovative companies is that cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on earth, as it is the basic element of the cell wall of all living plants. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) give plants extraordinary strength that can be used as a building block to improve existing materials and to produce environmentally friendly materials.

Melodea applies a proprietary technology to extract cellulose nanocrystals from wood pulp from trees grown in industrial forests. The durable coatings are designed to provide protection against the transmission of oxygen, oil, grease and water vapour. These coatings help preserve the quality and integrity of the food packaged inside, while eliminating the need for aluminium and plastic.

As a by-product of forestry, it is also compostable, recyclable and completely non-toxic to humans and the environment. Once the packaging is finished, it can simply be disposed of in the recycling bin. The CNC produced is used in bio-based solutions for various applications.

“Our cellulose-based barrier coatings offer an affordable, naturally abundant and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products. Most importantly, its raw material lives in harmony with nature. It comes from the forest and returns to the earth at the end of its life cycle,” says Zvika Weiss, CFO of Melodea.

“Our coatings can be easily integrated into standard industrial coating lines, including slot dies, bar coaters and gravure printers,” adds Zvika Weiss. The coatings are already being used on a trial basis by a number of large companies.”

Main properties of Melodea CNCs

• 100% biobased.
• Lightweight.
• Self-assembling and transparent.
• Durable.
• Abrasion resistant.
• Oxygen barrier.
• Rheology modifier.
• Recyclable, compostable and biodegradable.
• Highly compatible with water-based systems.
• Additional reinforcement for all types of materials.
• Improved adhesion, scratch resistance, tensile strength, bonding, erosion, anti-counterfeiting, anti-reflective coatings, etc.
• Support platform for the introduction and dispersion of other active nanoparticles for modification of optical properties, gas barrier, active catalysts, etc.