A heat sealable paper-based substrate is provided with at least the first surface covered with at least one primer coat and at least one topcoat over the primer coat, wherein: the primer coat is formed from a substantially wax-free aqueous dispersion of at least one polymer or copolymer, has a coefficient of thermal expansion equal to or less than about 200 μm/(m·° C.) for at least one operating temperature, and has a complex viscosity of at least about 80000 poises at a heat seal temperature; the topcoat has a different composition than the primer coat and is formed from an aqueous dispersion of at least one thermoplastic polymer or copolymer, and has a complex viscosity of at least about 3000 poises at a heat seal temperature. The heat sealable paper-based substrate can be used to make articles to contain goods such as cold or hot beverages or food products.