Michelman Introduces Michem® Coat 9250: Next-Generation Recyclable Cup Coating for Hot Beverages

CINCINNATI, OH (November 06, 2025) – Michelman has introduced Michem® Coat 9250, a next-generation water-based coating that enables recyclability of paper cups. Building on the proven performance of previous Michelman solutions, this new formulation helps brand owners and converters meet global recyclability and performance standards for paper cups.

Michem® Coat 9250 delivers higher solids, cleaner organoleptics, and enhanced resistance to aggressive coffees and creamers. Its broad versatility allows converters to run on a wider range of cup-forming equipment, including ultrasonic, servo, and high-speed systems, while achieving exceptional heat seal performance and best-in-class fiber tear results—even on high-speed lines with short dwell times.

Extensive testing has confirmed that Michem® Coat 9250 will not impede recyclability. Typical cup structures with this coating have passed the following evaluations:

Compared to cups lined with PE or PLA, those coated with Michem® Coat 9250 use less plastic, generate fewer microplastics, and support greater circularity and fiber recovery. They are more energy efficient to recycle than PE-lined cups and maintain superior structural integrity when exposed to hot beverages, unlike many PLA lined cups.

With Michem® Coat 9250, Michelman continues to drive innovation in sustainable packaging by empowering customers to replace plastic films with water-based dispersions—delivering recyclable, repulpable, and high-performance paper cup solutions that support a more circular economy worldwide.