Why it’s Breakthrough: It’s a coating that goes both on paper and packaging materials that not only enhances chemical and water resistance, but also contains no solvents, hazardous chemicals and are fully reclaimable.

The Story: The myth is that cats have nine lives. Ecology Coatings, Inc. gives their EcoQuick UV-Cured Coated paper and packaging materials many more lives. And it does so safely and for a lower cost.

Besides creating a coating that offers increased water and chemical resistance, these coated materials provide solutions to important application and environmental issues, such as lower energy use, sustainability, solvent-free materials while also increasing productivity.

The attributes of Ecology Coatings EcoQuik paper and packaging products include:

•            Substantially lower cost alternative to plastic laminate/glue overlays without sacrificing performance.

•            Sustainable green products contain no solvents, hazardous chemicals, are fully reclaimable, and minimize disposal hazards and cost.

•            Nano-enabled products provide exceptional water, solvent and household chemical resistance.

•            Compatibility with in-place application and UV-curing systems in packaging and paper operations.

These unique advantages are being demonstrated in various markets and applications that make EcoQuick paper and packaging superior in a number of ways:

1.    It is both greaseproof and waterproof

2.    It’s safe for disposable dinnerware and food package trays

3.    The treated materials are resistant to Strachybotrys chartarum, or black mold, when used in wall board covering in moisture-prone areas

4.    It is perfectly suitable for waterproof packaging and envelopes, pressure sensitive labels and product packaging.

Ecology is in the process of developing strategic partnerships to develop applications for construction products, such as wall or pipe covering, to reduce harmful mold exposure in venues such as hospitals and schools.

Other research found that paper-based storage containers are frequently subjected to high humidity conditions that can result in mold, odors or the destruction of contents. Presently, the standard is a laminated plastic films that are both expensive and require special handling equipment and thermal processing. The EcoQuik coating can be readily applied and cured at high speeds, providing a safe, sustainable and attractive low cost alternative.

The approximately $15.4 billion U.S. label and packaging industry is made up of pressure sensitive, heat-shrink, stretch-sleeve, and in-mold labels. Ecology Coatings is currently developing coatings designed for use on pressure sensitive prime labels, a $1.5 billion U.S. market. “Because label manufactures already use UV-cured inks and coatings and have press application and curing equipment in place, our coatings can be adopted in a relatively short development and testing cycle,” said Ecology Coatings COO Tom Krotine.

Chairman Robert Crocket adds: “The benefit we bring to these markets is Ecology’s proprietary barrier technology. Our coatings replace expensive adhesive-plastic lamination used in many label applications, which reduces the cost of materials and simplifies the manufacturing line. But the biggest selling point is the superior performance of the products produced using our environmentally friendly, nano-enabled coatings.”

About Ecology Coatings, Inc.

Ecology Coatings, Inc. is a leader in the development and licensing of cleantech ultraviolet (UV) curable coatings – coatings that improve the products we use daily. Ecology’s technology platform allows manufacturers to enhance the durability and performance of their products, while significantly reducing energy costs and increasing manufacturing throughput. The company produces solvent-free coatings which eliminate the escape of harmful solvents into the atmosphere during application. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Ecology Coatings has a development and prototype lab in Akron, Ohio.