World Environment Day: From Plastics to Coatings, Humanchem Supports a “Green Revolution” in the Packaging Industry

On June 5, 2025, we celebrate the 54th World Environment Day. This year’s theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution.” Face to plastic pollution，Humanchem has developed a series of water-based coatings for molded pulp tableware and paper packaging to help drive this profound “green revolution.”

 

On June 5, 2025, we celebrate the 54th World Environment Day. This year’s theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution.” In the face of the harsh reality that plastic pollution has infiltrated every corner of the Earth, Humanchem joins hands with partners across industries to protect the green mountains and clear waters around us.

 

“A Swift Plastic Battle” — Starting with Packaging Alternatives

According to data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 430 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, two-thirds of which become waste after a short period of use. This pervasive plastic waste harms ecosystems and human health, causing economic losses of $300 billion to $600 billion annually. Notably, 36% of all plastic produced is used for packaging, and of that, 85% ends up in landfills or as hazardous waste. A packaging revolution is urgently needed.

 

 

 

“Paper Over Plastic” — The Sustainable Packaging Path

Compared to plastic packaging, paper packaging, as a renewable resource, reduces reliance on non-renewable materials. Moreover, discarded paper can decompose quickly, thereby easing long-term environmental burdens.

However, using paper as a packaging material doesn’t necessarily mean “plastic-free.” Traditional production methods often use lamination or coating to give paper moisture resistance, oil resistance, durability, and printability—resulting in plastic components that hinder biodegradability and recycling.

Replacing these methods with advanced water-based coating technologies can resolve this issue, enabling paper packaging to be repulped and recycled—truly achieving sustainability.

 

(From global food giants to local eateries, the transition is already underway.)

 

 

“Crafting Innovation” — Small Coatings, Big Impact

Humanchem has developed a series of water-based coatings for molded pulp tableware and paper packaging, significantly enhancing paper’s functionality:

• Environmental Friendliness:
  Water-based coatings generate less pollution during production and are safer to use. They replace traditional lamination and coating processes while maintaining paper’s recyclability, thereby reducing packaging waste.

• Barrier Performance:
  Like other methods, these coatings effectively block water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and fats—preserving the contents from external impacts.

• Printability:
  Despite the barrier layer, paper retains excellent print quality and is compatible with gravure, flexographic, and offset printing.

• Processing Flexibility:
  Humanchem offers various products tailored to different paper types and thicknesses, meeting diverse processing and performance needs.

 

 

 

“United in Purpose” — Building a Green Future for Packaging

Beating plastic pollution is a long-term mission tied to the future of our planet. Every step—from reducing plastic at the source to innovating materials and production methods—is critical. Using water-based coating technology, Humanchem unlocks the green potential of paper packaging and fosters sustainable solutions to help drive this profound “green revolution.”

Humanchem stands with you to embed environmental principles throughout the entire life cycle of packaging—advancing toward a greener, plastic-free future.