Understanding parasitic chemical reactions during chromatogeny and optimization of the process

The development of paper-based packaging resistant to moist and/or fatty food is a major challenge for the food industry. Hydrophobic bio-based paperboard is a promising alternative, with demand expected to double by 2050, and major challenges associate to the presence of fluorine derivatives in actual solutions. In this context, the Centre Technique du Papier has developed a technique called chromatogeny that provides a material with good barriers to water, fats, and gases by grafting biocompatible organic molecules to paperboard. However, repeating several times the current process to increase the barrier properties, causes the generation of non-intentionally added substances, making the materials non-compliant with food contact criteria defined by european referentials. The collaboration with the DCM organic synthesis team (SeRCO) aims to understand these phenomena, improve the process and eventually propose alternative solution to achieve paperboard with the same physicochemical properties while meeting current standards. This project will thus provide a sustainable alternative to current commercially available packaging.