Zerocircle Seaweed-Based PFAS-Free Barrier Coatings

Zerocircle Alternatives is an Indian company that develops packaging materials from seaweed and other natural polymers. It targets the plastic linings and PFAS grease-proofing treatments used in paper food packaging, which create recycling problems and health concerns.

Its seaweed-based barrier coatings are applied to food-contact paper and board to provide grease and water resistance without a polyethylene layer or PFAS. Available products include coated food trays, snack and dip packs, clamshells and grease-resistant kraft and white paperboard; a low-grammage grease-resistant paper and a stand-alone grease-resistant coating are launching, while heat-sealable and water-resistant coatings, pouches, e-commerce mailers and seaweed pellets for thin films are in development. Customers include cafés, quick-service restaurants, food delivery platforms and packaging converters.

• Seaweed barrier coating: natural polymer coating for grease resistance on food-contact paper.
• Coated food trays and clamshells: plastic-free containers for takeaway meals.
• Grease-resistant paperboard: kraft and white board grades for custom packaging.
• Low-grammage food wrap: PFAS-free grease-resistant paper for wrapping.
• Heat-sealable coating: development grade aimed at replacing PE lining in paper cups.
• Seaweed pellets: development material for thin films.

Paper packaging converters in Vietnam supplying European buyers can license or source PFAS-free seaweed coatings for grease-proof board. Fast food and coffee chains can switch fries, burger and pastry packaging to plastic-free coated paper. Food delivery platforms can pilot coated trays and clamshells for partner restaurants.

Paper packaging coated with Zerocircle materials avoids both a plastic lining and PFAS treatment, simplifying compliance with PFAS restrictions and EU packaging rules. The coatings hold grease from loaded meals such as fries, burgers and curries. The company won the Grand Prize of the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Challenge and is used by brands such as Blue Tokai and Swiggy.

PFAS are being restricted in food packaging in the EU and several US states, and the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation raises recyclability requirements. Food delivery is growing fast in South and Southeast Asia, increasing demand for grease-proof paper packaging that is free of plastic and fluorochemicals, including for exporters to Europe.

Indian company Zerocircle Alternatives Pvt. Ltd. Grand Prize winner of the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Challenge and a Nasscom Emerge 50 winner. Partners and users include Swiggy and Blue Tokai. Exhibited in 2026 at Empack Birmingham, Responsible Packaging Expo London and Emergent Tokyo.