New 100% biodegradable paperboard 

challenge: how can we help the fast food industry to be more environmentally sustainable?

solution: 100% biodegradable paperboard cup from renewable wood fibre and biopolymer coating.

Paperboard for fast-food packaging and drinking cups is usually polymer coated. The coating protects the contents against the damaging effects of light, oxygen, humidity, grease and heat.

Paperboard is normally recycled and recycled paperboard fibres and separated coating materials can be reused. The new 100% biodegradable paperboard means that used paperboard material can also be totally composted, because the thin coating is also biodegradable.

Stora Enso has developed biopolymer coatings for years. Biopolymer-coated paperboard breaks down naturally after use, and the research shows that the best biopolymer-coated boards perform just as well for food and beverage packaging as those coated with traditional polymers.

"It is encouraging to see that our technological know-how has helped to build novel solutions for our customers. Globally operating fast food giants are keen to benefit from biopolymer-coated boards and to improve their environmental profile," says Vesa Simola, Head of Liquid and Food Service Boards.

Fully biodegradable beverage cups are already available, and use today’s biopolymer coatings based on either renewable or non-renewable raw materials. Stora Enso aims to produce biopolymer-coated board from 100% renewable resources for the fast food and other industries worldwide.