Japanese researchers unveil transparent, eco-friendly paperboard

JAPAN — Researchers from Japan’s Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), in collaboration with other institutions, have developed a biodegradable and transparent paperboard made entirely from cellulose.

The innovation offers a compelling alternative to plastic packaging and could significantly reduce environmental impact, particularly in marine ecosystems.

The material, named transparent paperboard (tPB), is a millimeter-thick sheet produced through cellulose dissolution and coagulation.

Despite its unique transparency, it retains the recyclability of traditional paper. The study, published in Science Advances, demonstrates how tPB can serve as both a packaging substrate and a sustainability solution.

“To mitigate marine pollution from single-use plastics, it is crucial to transition to next-generation commodity materials that are biomass-based, recyclable, and marine biodegradable, even at abyssal depths,” the researchers explain.

What sets tPB apart is its performance under extreme conditions. Unlike many biodegradable materials that require special composting environments, tPB has been shown to biodegrade at ocean depths of 757 meters, where the degradation process is notoriously slow.

This makes it highly suitable for preventing long-term pollution in marine environments.

In practical applications, tPB shows remarkable strength. It can hold just-boiled water in cup form without requiring an internal plastic film, thanks to its high wet tensile strength and anisotropic thermal properties.

This opens up its use in food packaging, takeaway containers, and beverage cups, products typically dominated by plastic or coated paperboard.

Moreover, tPB supports a closed-loop lifecycle. The material, along with all processing chemicals and water, can be fully recycled, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.

The use of cellulose waste, such as discarded clothing, wastepaper, and low-grade wood, further enhances its environmental credentials.

According to Noriyuki Isobe, Deputy Chief Researcher at JAMSTEC, if a demonstration-scale production facility is established, the cost of manufacturing tPB would be about three times that of conventional paper.

However, the carbon emissions during production are projected to be roughly half those of traditional plastic, offering a net environmental benefit.

As global pressure mounts to replace single-use plastics with viable alternatives, this Japanese innovation stands out for its durability, marine biodegradability, and alignment with future-ready packaging trends.

With further investment and scaling, tPB could become a cornerstone in the global shift toward low-impact, high-performance packaging materials.

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