Background
Oil and grease resistance (OGR) is a critical requirement for foodservice packaging, from burger wraps to fry bags. However, many existing OGR papers struggle with staining, curling, and inefficiencies on converting lines. Recognizing a gap in the market for a cleaner, faster-running, and more sustainable option, BiOrigin Specialty Products (BSP) set out to develop an innovative solution, BioGuard™.
Challenge
The challenge wasn’t just creating an oil and grease-resistant paper, it was designing one that excelled in both performance and convertibility while meeting today’s sustainability expectations. Early development phases revealed issues such as coating stiffness and staining, requiring extensive testing and refinements to meet customer demands for speed, barrier performance, and recyclability.
Approach
BSP’s Master Papermakers™ partnered with the technical and development teams to bring BioGuard™ to life. Dozens of lab and mill trials were conducted across multiple sites, with coating formulas adjusted repeatedly for optimal results. Customer collaboration played a key role, with feedback from real-world converting environments guiding improvements.
“This product has been in the works for a while,” said Dave Barr, Director of Technical Service at BSP. “It was a long road with some challenges, but our team stuck with it and we’re all really proud of our BioGuard™ product.”
Throughout the process, every department, commercial, lab, mill operations, and customer service, contributed to ensuring the paper met performance benchmarks and delivered value from day one.
Customer Impact
One of the first foodservice converters to test BioGuard™ saw an immediate difference. On their high-speed line, the product ran 12% faster than their current OGR paper, with zero downtime caused by curling or cracking. Waste was reduced by nearly 10%, translating to measurable cost savings. Operators reported that BioGuard™ not only performed better but also maintained its appearance, even when wrapping the greasiest sandwiches and fries.
The success of these early trials has already sparked interest from other converters who are eager to switch to a paper that combines speed, sustainability, and superior barrier performance.
Results
The final product speaks for itself. Converters have reported:
- Up to 15% faster line speeds* and smoother runs.
- Reduced waste and downtime due to less curling and cracking.
- Superior oil and grease resistance** for clean, stain-free packaging.
“Thanks to the team’s collaboration and persistence, as well as our customer partnerships, we ended up with a product we’re really proud of,” said Yustus Cyizere, BSP’s Product Manager.
What Makes BioGuard™ Different?
- 100% food-safe and fully recyclable
- Exceptional oil and grease barrier without staining or bleeding**
- Reduced curl for better converting efficiency
- U.S.-made with FSC®/SFI certified fibers
- Customizable coating levels and basis weights
- Backed by BSP’s Smooth-Run™ Promise for reliable performance on converting lines
Conclusion
BioGuard™ is more than just another specialty paper, it’s a proof point of BSP’s commitment to solving industry challenges with innovation, sustainability, and speed to market. The successful launch highlights BSP’s unique ability to combine technical expertise, mill excellence, and customer collaboration to move the packaging industry forward.
*In recent trials, some converters achieved accelerated speeds while running our BioGuard™ paper.
**vs. Competitive OGR papers.
