Inline & offline digital printing primers certified for use with HP Indigo presses.
Water-based overprint coatings increase durability and enhance the look & feel of inkjet-printed materials.
High-performance primers for inkjet that improve print quality & ink adhesion on film & paper.
Advanced materials designed to enhance the performance and processing of agricultural products.
Recyclable water-based coatings that confer high barrier to paper-based packaging and wraps.
Enhancing composite performance through optimized fiber-polymer interface adhesion
Water-based sizing solutions designed to optimize interfacial adhesion in composites using carbon fiber.
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Thinking Ahead
Michelman’s water-based coatings enable recyclable, repulpable paper cups for hot beverages across global markets.
News (Wednesday, 3 June 2026)
DigiPrime® primers provide industry-leading performance and versatility for labels & packaging printed on HP Indigo Digital Presses.
News (Thursday, 7 May 2026)
Fiber-based materials, bio-based coatings, and coating line expertise yield SUPD‑compliant packaging concepts with strong barrier performance.
News (Thursday, 30 April 2026)
Nuvita® Life coatings enhance barrier performance and support recyclability & compostability for paper-based retail food packaging.
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Performance expectations for paper plates are significant. Hot, oily, and sauce-heavy meals introduce grease and moisture challenges that can quickly compromise the structural integrity of paper plates. Seep-through can create messes on hands, clothing, and other surfaces. In high-volume foodservice settings, these challenges don’t just impact end-user satisfaction, they can affect cleanliness, operational efficiency, and overall perception of quality.
The Plate Kote™ family includes proven, water-based barrier coatings and overprint varnishes (OPVs) designed to meet the stringent performance and converting requirements of paper plate and bowl manufacturers. They help paper plates perform in real-world conditions by increasing resistance to grease and moisture, and improving overall strength and reliability. Plate Kote™ helps deliver a consistently positive experience for people consuming meals from paper plates and bowls. And, for brands working to align their paper-based solutions with expanding sustainability mandates, Plate Kote™ provides that performance with responsible material choices.
Plate Kote™ is designed to integrate seamlessly into plate and bowl thermoforming operations, offering:
The Plate Kote™ family also includes grades that help plates and bowls withstand the high temperatures and mechanical stresses of the converting process, such as Plate Kote™ 521, a backside moisturizer that provides lubricity during forming, enabling:
Plate Kote™ coatings are also widely used in other fiber-based packaging applications, including thermoformed/pressed paper trays, to provide print protection and efficient converting.
Plate Kote™ coatings are compatible with a broad range of fiber-based substrates used for paper plates and bowls. Formulated to work effectively with diverse fiber compositions and processing additives, Plate Kote™ provides the flexibility converters and brands need to meet performance requirements across different substrates.
Plate Kote™ coatings are engineered to help maintain consistent performance* in the areas that matter most to brands:
* Performance may vary depending on final application, conditions, and end use. † Where validated by the finished goods manufacturer based on the finished article design and end-use conditions.
Plate Kote™ solutions are water-based, contain no intentionally added PFAS or fluorinated chemicals, and enable the recovery of paper fibers during repulping and recycling. Switching to Plate Kote™ from traditional wax or PE coatings helps converters and brands make progress against sustainability pledges and achieve compliance with current and upcoming regulatory requirements.
Regulatory standards around the world are becoming more complex. Michelman’s global regulatory affairs and R&D teams help converters and brands navigate this shifting landscape with products engineered for compliance with emerging sustainability rules.
In addition to FDA food contact compliance, the Plate Kote™ family includes grades that are compliant with EU Framework Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, ideal for paper plate and bowl converters supplying European markets. Contact Michelman to request a Food Contact Declaration of Compliance for additional information specific to the markets you serve.
Plate Kote™ coatings are Kosher certified. Plate Kote™ 265D has earned a BPI Certificate of Commercial Compostability with a maximum usage of 1.75%. Certification details are available upon request.
Paper plates do more than serve food—they help set the tone for an occasion and allow the personality of the host to shine through. From children’s parties featuring favorite characters to graduations, weddings, and seasonal celebrations, graphics play a key role in creating a cohesive and memorable experience. Consumers choose paper plates and bowls not only for convenience, but also because strong graphics help the event feel more festive. Plate Kote™ coatings protect printed surfaces, helping ensure graphics remain sharp and color-fast throughout use.