Kemira, a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries, and Shanghai Bluepha Microbiology Technology, a leading synthetic biotech company, have agreed on a three-year strategic collaboration to promote the large-scale application of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) in fully biobased barrier coatings for paper, board and molded fiber, contributing to a move towards sustainable packaging and the elimination of plastic waste.
Through the partnership, Kemira and Bluepha will systematically introduce PHA materials into barrier coatings for paper such as food packaging, paper labels, board and molded fiber applications, accelerating the transfer of the traditional paper industry towards a lower-carbon and sustainable future.
Michelle Xiao, head of Kemira New Ventures, APAC, said, “We strongly believe that renewable chemistry innovations hold promise for revolutionizing the packaging landscape, providing innovative – and sustainable – alternatives to traditional fossil-based materials. That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with Bluepha PHA coatings in APAC to deliver options for the packaging value chain seeking more sustainable and biodegradable solutions.”
PHA-based aqueous barrier coatings are heat sealable and offer an excellent oil, water and grease barrier. Additional benefits include repulpability, which enables the paper to be recycled without special equipment for full fiber recovery. These attributes further enhance the sustainability of the material and enable brands to provide products that contribute to a circular economy and reduce the impact of plastic waste on the environment.
PHA barrier coatings are biodegradable in various environments including marine, freshwater, and soil. The PHA coatings can replace polyethylene and provide a viable alternative to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ are increasingly being phased out in food packaging around the world due to potential health risks associated with their use. This development is consistent with other commitments Kemira has made and continues to make in the bio-based and sustainable technologies landscape in other global regions and markets.
