there is disclosed a biodegradable laminate suitable for use in shaped paper - based articles such as containers for liquid or solid , hot or cool , food products , comprising a paper - based substrate having first and second copolyester layers deposited onto at least one surface of the substrate , in the substantial absence of intervening polymer layers between the substrate surface and the copolyesters deposited on the substrate surface . a biodegradable shaped article formed from the laminate and a method for forming a biodegradable laminate are also disclosed .