The disclosure relates to ethylenic polymers containing repeat units having pendant groups that can be linked to an ethylenic backbone via ester groups, such as those resulting from vinyl alkanoate monomers and alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers. The ethylenic polymer generally includes first repeat units in combination with one or more of second repeat units, third repeat units, and fourth repeat units. The first repeat units can include vinyl alkanoate monomer residues, the second repeat units can include alkyl (meth)acrylate residues, the third repeat units can include pendant carboxylic groups, and the fourth repeat units can include pendant aromatic groups. The combined structure of the ethylenic polymer is suitable for the formation of high-solids aqueous emulsions or dispersions, which can be used to apply a waterborne coating to a substrate such as paper. The ethylenic polymer and coatings therefrom can provide good water resistance, good oil resistance, recyclability, repulpability, and/or biodegradability.