BIO-SUSHY has developed three PFAS-free coatings using an SSbD approach, supported by computational modeling, and will validate them in case studies of food trays, textile, and cosmetic glass packaging.
For food packaging, PFAS-free thermoplastic powder coatings based on polybutylene succinate (PBS)/lignin and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have been developed for cellulosic materials, achieving hydrophobic properties and excellent grease resistance. These coatings have 80-98% bio-based content, with toxicity assessments ongoing under the SSbD framework. Applied via spray on one side of paper, they enable dry storage at under 25°C for up to two years. Planned tests include migration, compostability, and repulping per regulations, with scale-up focusing on extrusion and dry powder technologies.
For textiles, partially bio-based hybrid sol-gel coatings like Pearlisol (28% bio-based per EN 16785-1) and water-based Depersol/Depersol-Green (23-46% bio-based) have been developed. Pearlisol provides hydrophobic and oleophobic properties on polyester/cotton blends and cotton, per ISO 4920 spray tests. Depersol formulations, applied via dip-pad-dry-cure, exhibit strong hydrophobicity and laundering resistance, performing best on polyester but tested on blends. SSbD ensured no persistent pollutants or hazard pictograms, with life cycle assessment progressing. Next steps include scalability, adhesion optimization, and semi-industrial processing.
For cosmetic glass packaging, bio-based (GlideBioCoat) and polydimethylsiloxane (GlideSilCoat)-hybrid coatings have been formulated, delivering hydrophobic (water contact angle >90°) and oleophobic (hexadecane contact angle >35°) properties. SSbD steps replaced high-toxicity components with safer alternatives. Demonstrated on microscope slides and inner glass containers, these show promising sliding properties (see attached image). Bio-based carbon content is 5-15%, with aims to reach 25%.
Computational tools for simulations, data harmonization, and FAIRification, QSAR models, and molecular dynamics have supported coating properties predictions. SSbD criteria established hazardous property data, and experimental screening tests on coating components have provided preliminary results for all five steps of the SSbD framework, including life cycle assessment (LCA) and social-LCA, which offer insights into environmental footprints and societal impacts.
