In October 2012, Chesapeake became part of number of companies contributing to a pan-European project that aims to revolutionise paper packaging. The project, coordinated by the UK’s Sheffield Hallam University is focused on developing a New Generation of Functional Cellulose Fibre Based Packaging Materials for Sustainability – NEWGENPACK.

Chesapeake’s R&D team are participating in a key phase of the project to develop the ‘next generation of packaging composites’. The objective of this project is to develop a printable coating that provides effective barrier properties. The project is progressing well and as part of Chesapeake’s involvement an experienced researcher, Dr. Kalina Malinova-Tonigold, has joined the R&D team and will be based at Chesapeake Bradford. Kalina is a Bulgarian national and holds both a chemistry based PhD and a Master’s Degree. 

This is a 2-year project in collaboration with Imerys and Kalina has worked for the last year at Imerys Minerals in Cornwall, UK. The first part of the project was to develop mineral-based coating formulations; the next stage is to optimise the printability of these formulations and the barrier properties they offer. 

Carol Hammond, Head of R&D at Chesapeake, said: “Kalina has been working closely with Chesapeake and Imerys for the past year on formulation development. She will now focus upon the printing capability of these formulations and the combination effect of a multi-coating approach to achieve a range of barrier options. The project has the potential to create a new generation of paperboard based packaging with greater functionality. If we can successfully create barrier properties to prevent migration, moisture loss or gas permeation this will increase the application of paperboard use. It will also extend its use to a greater number of market applications.”