As sustainability and performance continue to shape the Paper packaging industry, manufacturers and buyers alike are exploring alternatives to traditional plastic coatings. Among the most popular coating options today areAcrylic Emulsion Coating, PLA Coating, and Water-Based Coating.
But what are the differences between these three materials? Which one is best suited for your packaging needs? Let’s break it down:
✅ 1. Acrylic Emulsion Coating
What it is:
Acrylic emulsion is a water-based synthetic resin made from petroleum-derived polymers. It is applied to paper surfaces to enhance gloss, printability, and water resistance.
Key Features:
-
High gloss and clarity
-
Excellent printability
-
Strong adhesion and scuff resistance
-
Commonly used in photo paper, labels, and Coated boards
-
Not biodegradable or compostable
-
Relatively high cost due to resin content
Best for:
High-end print applications, advertising materials, and packaging that requires durability and appearance.
✅ 2. PLA Coating
What it is:
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a bioplasticmade from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. When used as a paper coating, it offers good barrier properties and isindustrially compostable.
Key Features:
-
100% compostable under industrial conditions
-
Suitable for food contact
-
Acts as a waterproof and grease-resistant layer
-
Requires higher coating weight than PE to achieve the same barrier effect
-
More sensitive to temperature and sealing conditions
Best for:
Eco-friendly paper cups, bowls, and other food-grade disposable packaging where sustainability is a key concern.
✅ 3. Water-Based Coating
What it is:
This type of coating uses water as the main solvent and may contain natural polymers (such as modified starch, PVA, or biodegradable resins). It’s designed to provide grease resistance, heat sealability, and printability without plastic.
Key Features:
-
Plastic-free and repulpable
-
Ideal for food packaging and wrapping paper
-
Lower barrier performance than PLA or PE, but improving with new formulas
-
Excellent for customers seeking PFAS-free, eco-conscious options
-
Usually has a matte or soft finish
Best for:
Greaseproof paper, burger wraps, paper cups, and plastic-free packaging solutions.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Acrylic Emulsion | PLA Coating | Water-Based Coating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source Material | Petrochemical resin | Renewable (corn/sugar) | Water + natural polymers |
| Biodegradable/Compostable | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Industrial) | ✅ Yes / Repulpable |
| Water Resistance | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good | ⚠️ Moderate to Good |
| Heat Sealable | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Grease Resistance | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Common Applications | Labels, photo paper | Eco paper cups, trays | Burger wraps, cup stock |
Conclusion
Each coating has its own strengths and ideal applications:
-
Choose Acrylic Emulsion if you need high-quality printability and gloss.
-
Choose PLA Coating if sustainability and compostability are top priorities.
-
Choose Water-Based Coating if you want a plastic-free, recyclable solution for food packaging.
At Sure Paper, we supply all three types of coated paper materials and help you choose the best fit based on your product needs, sustainability goals, and budget.
Contact us today to request free samples or learn more about custom coating solutions.