Trinseo and RWDC Industries have reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable packaging by signing a joint development agreement focused on polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) dispersion products.
The partnership targets growing consumer demand for packaging solutions that are both compostable and recyclable.
“Since collaborating with RWDC in May of 2023, we have made substantial advances in PHA dispersion technology,” said Alan Piwowar, Technical Service and Development Specialist at Trinseo.
“With RWDC, we have successfully demonstrated at a pilot scale the feasibility of producing commercially viable, shelf-stable PHA dispersions, specifically optimized for use in paper and board applications. Our prototypes demonstrate excellent film formation and strong barriers against common food substances such as oil, grease, and moisture. By optimizing PHA dispersions for barrier coating applications, we can also help manufacturers develop packaging solutions that offer specific benefits, including compostability and recyclability.”
Trinseo’s advanced pilot coater facility enabled the technology to achieve runnability objectives on a variety of coating techniques. Teams at both companies redesigned the PHA dispersion technology to be compatible with standard paper-drying conditions, enhancing film formation and coating durability.
“PHA dispersion technology will be vital to delivering compostable and recyclable offerings within the packaging industry,” said Geoff Nobes, Director of Business Development at RWDC.
“Working with Trinseo, we can propel dispersion technology to the market to meet customer requirements for a variety of applications and believe that, together, we can support the packaging industry in its transition to adopt more responsible packaging solutions.”
RWDC’s paper- and board-grade PHA dispersions are made from non-food-grade materials and certified by TUV Austria as biobased, industrial- and home-compostable, and biodegradable in marine and fresh-water environments. The technology can be combined with other water-based coatings, enabling hybrid solutions with enhanced performance while maintaining compostability and recyclability.
Trinseo and RWDC’s collaboration positions PHA dispersion technology as a potential game-changer for the packaging sector, with applications also being explored in textiles, construction, adhesives, and beyond.
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