MarinaTex Targets Plastic-Free Packaging with High-Performance Advanced Biopolymers

Speaking exclusively to ThePackHub‘s Paul Jenkins ahead of London Packaging Week 2026, MarinaTex Co-founder and CEO Craig Sterling revealed how the company is developing next-generation natural biopolymer coatings and films that could significantly improve the recyclability of paper-based packaging while replacing problematic plastic barriers.

The interview explored MarinaTex’s journey from an award-winning materials innovator to a business approaching commercialisation. The company is committed to developing next-generation biomaterials.

Built on a shared passion for protecting marine environments, MarinaTex is developing high-performance alternatives to conventional plastic coatings by harnessing the power of natural biopolymers. While packaging remains its primary focus, the company’s technology is also finding applications in agriculture, where biodegradable coatings can help eliminate microplastics from seed treatments.

MarinaTex’s story combines scientific expertise with environmental purpose.

Co-founder and CEO Craig Sterling began his career in structural biology before moving into biotechnology and eventually sustainable materials. His path crossed with MarinaTex founder Lucy Hughes, whose pioneering work developing films from natural waste complemented Sterling’s experience in biopolymers science.

Together, they have brought their technologies under one company with a clear mission: replacing problematic single-use plastics with naturally derived alternatives that perform just as well, with materials designed to integrate with existing coating and converting processes while significantly reducing environmental impact.

That ambition extends well beyond packaging. MarinaTex is currently developing biodegradable seed coatings to replace the plastic coatings commonly applied to agricultural seeds, preventing unnecessary microplastics from entering the environment before crops have even been planted.

Creating Paper Packaging That Can Actually Be Recycled

One of MarinaTex’s most exciting developments tackles a problem most consumers never realise exists.

Millions of cardboard sandwich packs are purchased every day across the UK. While many people responsibly place the cardboard section into paper recycling, the plastic barrier laminated onto the board often prevents the material from being successfully recycled.

MarinaTex has developed a biodegradable barrier film that replaces conventional plastic laminates while allowing the complete pack to remain recyclable within existing paper recycling systems.

Alongside this innovation, the company has also created natural coatings capable of replacing the plastic-based coatings frequently applied to paperboard packaging. Together, these technologies have the potential to transform the recyclability of fibre-based food packaging without requiring brands to redesign existing pack formats.

Commercialisation Moves Closer

Unlike many early-stage material innovations, MarinaTex has made significant progress towards commercialisation.

The company’s recyclable coatings have already demonstrated both manufacturing viability and recyclability, with development now focused on the next stages of commercial deployment. Barrier films are also progressing, as MarinaTex continues to work with manufacturing partners to scale production for future market applications.

Alongside these developments, the company has also demonstrated fully soluble packaging concepts for applications such as sugar sachets.

Designed to dissolve completely when added directly into tea or coffee, the sachets eliminate the need to dispose of a separate wrapper while maintaining the product’s intended flavour and functionality.

The innovation demonstrates how natural materials can completely rethink familiar packaging formats.

Barrier Performance Offers a Competitive Advantage

As brands increasingly search for alternatives to fossil-fuel-based plastics, performance remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges.

MarinaTex believes its greatest strength lies in the barrier performance of its materials.

Using biomimicry, the company studies how nature creates protective barriers before replicating those mechanisms through natural biopolymers. This approach has enabled MarinaTex to develop solutions that offer stronger barrier properties than many existing natural alternatives, helping brands transition towards plastic-free packaging without compromising functionality.

Premium Packaging Provides the Ideal Starting Point

While MarinaTex ultimately aims to scale into high-volume applications such as food-to-go packaging, the company’s initial focus is premium packaging.

Luxury packaging often relies on multiple plastic coatings and decorative finishes that hinder recyclability. MarinaTex’s recyclable coating technology offers premium brands an opportunity to improve sustainability credentials while maintaining the high-quality presentation consumers expect.

The company also intends to introduce clear branding on packaging incorporating its technology, helping consumers confidently identify packs that can be recycled through standard paper recycling streams.

As production capacity expands, MarinaTex plans to broaden its reach into larger-volume packaging categories, bringing truly recyclable coated paper packaging closer to everyday supermarket shelves.

Meet MarinaTex at London Packaging Week 2026

MarinaTex will be exhibiting in the Startup Zone at London Packaging Week 2026, where visitors will be able to explore its latest recyclable coatings, biodegradable barrier films, soluble sachets and converted packaging concepts.

The exhibition provides an opportunity for brand owners, converters and packaging professionals to discuss how natural biopolymers could accelerate the transition away from conventional plastic coatings while maintaining the performance demanded by modern packaging.

If you’re planning to visit #LPW26 this September, be sure to stop by the MarinaTex stand to discover how the company is helping shape the future of sustainable packaging.

Read the full article on LinkedIn.