An Antioxidant, Reusable Laser Printed and Recycled Cork Paper Packaging

In the realm of food waste recycling, industrial suberoligneous by‐products like cork and peels, pose a challenge for value‐added conversion, primarily due to their intricate structures. This study introduces an innovative approach by utilizing recycled cork as a prime example of repurposing food waste to create a reusable and durable packaging paper. Notably, the manufacturing process of this cork‐based paper avoids the generation of waste liquids from lignin removal, effectively alleviating concerns related to liquid waste pollution. The resulting packaging paper demonstrates remarkable printability, readability, and erasability while offering reusability. Its performance can be fine‐tuned through pH value adjustments. Moreover, this packaging paper exhibits outstanding antioxidative properties and barrier properties, seamlessly integrating superb UV‐blocking proficiency and heightened visible transparency, rendering it highly appealing for sustainable food packaging applications. In food waste recycling, industrial suberoligneous by‐products such as cork and peels pose challenges due to their complex structures. This study presents a novel approach utilizing recycled cork to create reusable, durable packaging paper. Recycling cork paper offers printability, readability, and erasability, with adjustable performance. It boasts antioxidative and UV‐blocking properties, ideal for eco‐friendly food packaging.