Advanced cellulose nanofiber coatings for circular packaging solutions
VERDE Biomaterials offers cellulose nanofiber (CNF) coatings that enhance paper packaging by improving moisture barriers and strength, providing a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging. Our CNFs are cost-effective, biodegradable, and compatible with recycling.
Overview
VERDE Biomaterials introduces an innovative solution for circular packaging using advanced cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). These bio-based and compostable materials offer an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and superior barrier properties, making them ideal for paper packaging applications. The CNF coatings significantly improve the moisture barrier of paper packaging to about 10 g/m²/day and enhance strength by 40%. This results in high-performance, sustainable packaging that can replace traditional plastic packaging in various sectors, including snack food and produce packaging. The cost-effectiveness and recyclability of our CNFs further position them as a viable alternative in the market.
Technical specifications
- Material composition: CNFs with customizable hydrophobicity and high crystallinity
- Barrier performance: Achieves water vapor transfer rate (WVTR) of less than 10 g/m²/day
- Strength enhancement: Increases strength of biodegradable films by up to 40%
- Sustainability: Fully biodegradable and recyclable, compatible with existing paper recycling infrastructure
- Applications: Suitable for food packaging including snacks and produce
- Integration: Coatings can be applied using standard drawdown coater techniques, with various drying methods tested
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, our CNF-based coatings have shown promising results in lab environments. We have validated their moisture barrier and strength enhancement capabilities. The next phase involves further development and testing, including performance evaluation and biodegradability testing under industrial and home composting conditions. We seek partnerships for analytical support and funding to advance our research and bring this technology closer to commercialization.
About VERDE Biomaterials
VERDE Biomaterials (also known as VERDE Nanomaterials) is a chemical manufacturing company that develops advanced, sustainable materials derived from agricultural and industrial waste. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, the company utilizes a proprietary platform technology to transform biomass—such as corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, and other residues—into high-performance cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). These plant-based nanofibers are designed to serve as eco-friendly, biodegradable, and cost-effective alternatives to fossil-based polymers, petrochemicals, and other highly emissive materials. By employing mild chemistry that preserves the natural polymer structure, VERDE produces customizable materials suitable for a variety of industries, including personal care, packaging, automotive composites, textiles, and construction.
The company focuses on driving the circular bioeconomy by addressing technical barriers to the commercial adoption of next-generation bioproducts, such as feedstock variability and process scalability. Supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation, VERDE works with national laboratories and participates in innovation accelerators like BEAM Circular to refine its manufacturing processes. Their initial commercial efforts include providing biodegradable rheology modifiers for the personal care industry, aimed at eliminating microplastics in formulations. Through its R&D initiatives and industry collaborations, the company seeks to scale its production capacity and provide sustainable, climate-forward material solutions that perform at industrial scales.
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