Technological watch

Partnership with Kemira to develop biodegradable paper coatings

Partnership with Kemira to develop biodegradable paper coatingsThe Finnish pulp and paper specialist is working with Danimer on biodegradable barrier coatings for paper and board applications (Photo: Kemira)Pulp and paper chemicals specialist Kemira (Helsinki / Finland; www.kemira.com) has announced a partnership with US biotechnology company Danimer Scientific (Bainbridge, Georgia; www.danimerscientific.com) to develop biodegradable aqueous barrier coatings for the paper and board industry. The partners plan to evaluate Danimer Scientificâ??s "Nodaxâ? polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) as a commercial, bio-based alternative to polyethylene for the manufacture of recyclable paper and board products from renewable sources. Nodax PHA is sourced from the seeds of plants such as canola and soy and is 100% bio-based.
The companies aim to manufacture coatings for limited commercial applications in 2021 before exploring broader production options. "Evaluating PHA is one step in realising our bio-based strategy to deliver high quality, sustainable and circular packaging solutions," said Antti Matula, SVP of global product lines & business development for Kemira Pulp & Paper. "Sustainability is one of the main drivers of Kemiraâ??s long-term growth and Kemiraâ??s target is to reach bio-based revenues of over EUR 500m by 2030."
John Moore, SVP of business development at Danimer Scientific, said, "Partnering with Kemira will enable us to expand to paper applications, delivering a repulpable and biodegradable material without sacrificing the product quality that brands and consumers expect."
The companies said the global barrier market is expected to grow by around 8% annually, while the Kemira-relevant dispersion barrier market size is currently EUR 500m and growing at the higher rate of around 10%/year.23.12.2020 Plasteurope.com [246537-0]

Publication date: 23/12/2020

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This project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 837761.