AGORA

AGORA project addresses a critical challenge in the food packaging sector: the need for paper-based packaging that effectively resists water and grease while remaining safe, sustainable, and recyclable. Traditional paper and cardboard are naturally porous and hydrophilic, requiring additional coatings to provide the necessary barrier properties for food contact applications. Currently, the industry relies heavily on PFAs-based coatings and non-biodegradable plastic laminations. While these materials offer excellent water and grease resistance, they pose significant health and environmental risks and hinder the recyclability and compostability of packaging.

To overcome these challenges, ONYRIQ has developed a groundbreaking alternative—a safe, sustainable, and high-performance coating for paper packaging. This innovative coating is based on biodegradable and renewable polysaccharide complexes, enhanced with a small amount of non-persistent acrylic polymer. The resulting formulation exhibits a unique hierarchical micro-nanostructure, delivering omniphobic (water- and grease-repellent) properties comparable to PFAs-based coatings, but without the associated environmental and health hazards. The two components are prepared separately and then mixed to create a waterborne coating that can be easily applied to paper and cardboard substrates.

The AGORA project is dedicated to advancing sustainable packaging solutions, with a particular focus on eliminating plastic and promoting fully recyclable and compostable materials in the food and beverage sector. Its first major objective centers on developing innovative packaging prototypes—such as coated papers and biodegradable cardboard bands—that meet the demanding requirements of food wrapping and beverage containers. These new materials are engineered to deliver high performance, effectively repelling water and oils to protect product quality and consumer safety, while also being entirely recyclable and reusable.

To ensure these prototypes meet industry standards, AGORA subjects them to rigorous validation and sustainability assessments. The packaging is tested for superior barrier properties and biodegradability, guaranteeing that it is not only effective in protecting food but also environmentally friendly at the end of its life cycle. For example, the group has replaced millions of plastic can rings with biodegradable cardboard made from FSC-certified natural fibers, and transitioned to using recycled PET for certain bottle formats, drastically reducing the use of virgin plastics.

A key pillar of the AGORA project is technology transfer and industry engagement. AGORA actively shares its innovations and best practices through workshops, public initiatives, and collaborations with local communities and stakeholders. The project’s broader mission is to accelerate the adoption of sustainable packaging across the sector, as demonstrated by initiatives such as large-scale reforestation, the use of recycled glass in bottles, and the installation of solar panels to increase energy self-sufficiency. Through these efforts, AGORA not only reduces environmental impact but also inspires widespread change toward a more circular and responsible packaging industry.

By achieving these objectives, the AGORA project will deliver paper-based packaging solutions that align with both environmental standards and evolving consumer expectations for safety and sustainability. The project’s focus on biodegradable, high-barrier coatings represents a significant step forward in replacing harmful PFAs and plastics in food packaging. Ultimately, AGORA’s innovation promises to reduce environmental impact, improve food safety, and support the transition to a circular economy in the packaging industry.