The companies are evaluating Danimer Scientific’s Nodax polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as a commercial, fully biobased alternative to PE for manufacturing recyclable paper and board products from renewable sources.

They are aiming to manufacture coatings for limited commercial applications in 2021 before exploring broader production options.

The barriers in products such as coffee cups and packaging keep moisture and grease from leaking through. However, most paper and board products are currently coated with fossil-based PE, which hinders their recyclability and creates plastic waste.

Kemira said the global barrier market is expected to grow by around 8% per year and the dispersion barrier market – the one relevant to its business – is currently valued at €500 million and growing at an annual rate of about 10%.

Danimer Scientific’s Nodax biopolymer is renewably sourced from the seeds of plants, such as canola and soy, and is 100% biobased.

“Evaluating PHA is one step in realizing our biobased strategy to deliver high quality, sustainable and circular packaging solutions,” said Antti Matula, senior vice president, global product lines & business development for Kemira Pulp & Paper. “Sustainability is one of the main drivers of Kemira’s long-term growth and Kemira’s target is to reach biobased revenue of over €500 million by 2030.”

Danimer Scientific creates its biopolymer resins, including various combinations of PHA and polylactic acid, through a proprietary reactive-extrusion process. The company also customizes a wide variety of PLA products for customers’ specific end-uses.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist