Michelman has unveiled Michem® Coat 9250, a cutting-edge water-based coating designed to enhance the recyclability of paper cups. Building on the proven performance of earlier solutions from Michelman, this innovative formulation enables brand owners and converters to meet international standards for recyclability and performance in food and drink packaging.
Michem® Coat 9250 boasts higher solids content, cleaner organoleptic properties, and improved resistance to aggressive coffees and creamers. Its versatility allows converters to operate across a broader range of cup-forming equipment, including ultrasonic, servo, and high-speed systems. This results in exceptional heat seal performance and best-in-class fiber tear results, even on high-speed lines with short dwell times.
Extensive testing confirms that Michem® Coat 9250 does not hinder recyclability. Typical cup structures coated with this formulation have successfully passed the following evaluations:
Europe: Cepi, Version 3, February 2025; 4evergreen Fibre-based packaging recyclability evaluation protocol Version 1, January 2025
China: China Paper Association Group Standard T/CPA001-2021 and Amendment No. 1
United States: WMU SBS-E Certification – Repulpability Process (Part 1) and Recyclability Process (Part 2)
When compared to cups lined with PE or PLA, those coated with Michem® Coat 9250 utilize less plastic, generate fewer microplastics, and promote greater circularity and fiber recovery. Additionally, they are more energy-efficient to recycle than PE-lined cups while maintaining superior structural integrity when exposed to hot beverages—unlike many PLA-lined options.
“Michem® Coat 9250 reflects Michelman’s continued commitment to help our customers advance both performance and sustainability,” said Adam Graber, Global Marketing Manager for Rigid Packaging. “We designed this coating to support recyclability across key global regions while meeting the demanding functional requirements of hot beverage applications. It’s a strong example of how water-based technologies can deliver measurable sustainability benefits without compromising consumer experience or production efficiency.”
Through Michem® Coat 9250, Michelman advances innovation in sustainable packaging. This empowering initiative enables clients to transition from plastic films to water-based dispersions, resulting in recyclable, repulpable, and high-performance paper cup solutions that support a more circular economy worldwide.