Developing a composite coating that reinforces bioplastic films for compostable packaging
Surface Cleantech
Lausanne (EPFL Innovation Park, Building A)New on Amplifa
About Surface Cleantech
Surface Cleantech is a company based at the EPFL Innovation Park in Lausanne that develops a patented (patent pending) composite coating technology for compostable bioplastic films. The SurfAce™ coating reinforces biopolymer films by more than 30 %, allowing packaging to be produced up to 30 % thinner and around 15 % more cost-effectively. The coating is applied like an ink on existing flexographic printing machines, is compatible with existing doctor blades, and does not reduce production speed; it remains compostable in accordance with EN 13432. The technology can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes and is applicable to all types of biopolymer films. R&D is carried out in collaboration with EPFL; the team includes co-founders Frederic Mauch (CEO) and Saoirse Kathryn McConnell (CTO) as well as R&D Manager Loris Castagnolo.
- Site
- Lausanne
- Processes
- Composite coating of biopolymer films (SurfAce™ coating, applicable via flexographic printing), Composite coating for bioplastic films (SurfAce™), R&D collaboration with EPFL
- Materials
- Bioplastic / biopolymer films (compostable), Composite coating for biopolymer films, Flexographic printing application
- Certificates
- EN 13432 (compostability, planned)
- Industries
- Compostable packaging, Bioplastic films
- 01
Development of the composite coating (R&D with EPFL)
- 02
Application as a coating onto biopolymer films via flexographic printing
- 03
Finishing into printable film
- 04
Converting into the end product (packaging)
Materials & Processes
Composite coating for biopolymer films
Reinforces compostable bioplastic films by more than 30 % and remains compostable in accordance with EN 13432.
Bioplastic / biopolymer films (compostable)
Base material for compostable packaging films, which can be used thinner and more cost-effectively thanks to the coating.
Flexographic printing application
The coating is applied similarly to an ink on existing flexographic printing machines, without any reduction in production speed.
Locations
Lausanne (EPFL Innovation Park, Building A)
CHSite: R&D and company headquarters
- Materials
- Biopolymer films
Industries
Processes & technical limits
| Processes | Tolerance | Max. part | Weight | Lot size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite coating of biopolymer films (SurfAce™ coating, applicable via flexographic printing)Surface | – | – | – | – | Biopolymer films (compostable bioplastic films) |
Additional services
Quality & Certification
The coating is to be certified as compostable in accordance with the European standard EN 13432. Further information on quality assurance has not been published.
| Evidence | Lausanne |
|---|---|
| EN 13432 (compostability, planned) |