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 Scientific’s "Nodax” 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 Kemira’s long-term growth and Kemira’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.