Germany's BASF and US-based Smart Planet Technologies are discussing plans to collaborate on developing the California firm's EarthCoating mineralized coating technology for packaging applications.

The search for more sustainable coatings solutions has been growing in recent years and has become a priority for many companies involved in the paper packaging industry, explained Christian Schulz, vice president of BASF's Center for Sustainable Packaging founded last year to address the industry's needs.

Smart Planet describes EarthCoating as a "sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to traditional extrusion applied coatings, which improves barrier and heat seal performance as well as the recyclability of the packaging and suitable for folding cartons, detergent boxes, paper cups or paper plates, for example.

The company adds that the coating contains up to 60% less polymer content by weight than 100% LDPE coatings while providing superior barrier properties to moisture, oil, grease and fatty acids.