The groundbreaking material developed at Northwestern University could soon transform the US food packaging industry by $600 billion.
Scientists have developed a graphene oxide-based coating that is both water-resistant and oil repairing agents, and is environmentally safe and significantly stronger.
Unlike traditional materials that rely on synthetic chemicals for moisture and grease resistance, this new innovation utilizes graphene oxide, a carbon-based compound known for its durability and barrier properties.
When applied to paper-based packaging, it not only protects against liquids, but also enhances structural integrity and eliminates problems such as thin plates and flooded containers.
Graphene Oxide: A sustainable, scalable and safe alternative to PFA
Developed through decades of research in chemical and mechanical engineering, graphene oxide coatings are non-toxic, compostable solutions designed with scalability in mind.
As environmental and health concerns grow, bans on PFA and single-use plastics continue to tighten, meeting urgent industry needs.
Go-Eco, spun from the northwest and housed in the university’s Querrey Inqbation Lab (Q), leads the commercialization of this patent-pending technology.
With support from industry partners and recent investments from tableware manufacturers across the country, Go-ECO is pushing materials from the lab benches to the production floor.
Recent testing conducted at a paper pilot factory at West Michigan University confirmed the effectiveness of the coating.
Paper products treated with small amounts of graphene oxide showed a 30-50% increase in strength and barrier performance while maintaining costs comparable to existing market alternatives.
Reform papers in the modern world
The application range for this innovation is enormous. Researchers tested it in a variety of formats, including cardboard boxes, disposable tableware, production bags, and straws.
In all cases, the material achieved high levels of oil, water and grease resistance, significantly improving durability.
Beyond food packaging, the broader impact on sustainable product design is extremely important. Graphene oxide treatments are biodegradable and do not undermine recyclability, and therefore we present a closed-loop solution in line with growing demand for circular economy practices in consumer goods.
Meet large industrial demands
Go-ECO is currently actively preparing for full-scale pilot production, with plans to ensure FDA compliance has certified food contact certification and confirm the recyclability and composting of therapeutic materials.
This next step involves testing prototypes of molded fibers and traditional paper dust in collaboration with multiple manufacturers.
Development is timely. In the US alone, an estimated 14 million tonnes of paper-based packaging is produced annually. Many of them are coated with materials that are harmful to the environment to withstand oils and moisture. This has been necessary up until now.
The innovation in Go-ECO graphene oxides may eliminate the need for such hazardous substances while maintaining and even improving product performance.
With industry standards evaluations underway and strategic partnerships being formed, graphene oxide technology is poised to set new benchmarks for environmentally friendly food packaging.
For businesses looking for affordable, high-performance alternatives to plastics and PFA, graphene oxide may be the industry’s long-awaited breakthrough.
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