Trinseo And RWDC Industries Advance PHA Dispersion Technology For Barrier Coatings Applications

Through their collaboration, the companies developed shelf-stable PHA dispersion technology for packaging applications.

Trinseo and RWDC Industries LLC reaffirmed their commitment to producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) dispersion products by signing a joint development agreement. Together, Trinseo and RWDC Industries are helping manage rising consumer interest in packaging solutions that offer compostability and recyclability^1-2 by developing PHA dispersion coatings.

“Since collaborating with RWDC in May of 2023, we have made substantial advances in PHA dispersion technology,” said Trinseo’s Alan Piwowar, Technical Service and Development Specialist. “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 benefits³, including compostability and recyclability^1-2 food contact applications."

Using Trinseo’s advanced pilot coater facility, PHA dispersion technology achieved runnability objectives at pilot scale on a wide range of coating application techniques. Critically, the research teams at Trinseo and RWDC redesigned PHA dispersion technology to be compatible with standard paper-drying conditions, thereby significantly improving film formation and coating durability.

“PHA dispersion technology will be vital to delivering compostable and recyclable offerings within the packaging industry,” comments 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 Industries' paper and board-grade PHA dispersion products are manufactured from non-food-grade materials. They are certified biobased, industrial- and home-compostable, and marine- and fresh-water biodegradable by TUV Austria, an independent testing and certification company. PHA dispersions can be processed with other water-based coating materials, creating opportunities for hybrid coatings with enhanced performance characteristics, while enabling compostability and recyclability.^1-3

Trinseo and RWDC have together created PHA dispersion technology, which is poised to transform the packaging industry. It has the potential for applications in other industries, including textiles, construction and adhesives, among many others, which are being evaluated by our global application technology teams. Visit Trinseo.com or contact our team to learn more about Trinseo’s PHA dispersion capabilities.

References:
¹ Paper articles coated with Trinseo's PHA dispersions passed one external mill repulpability test. This suggests the materials could be compatible with other recycling streams.

² RWDC Industries' paper and board-grade PHA is certified biobased, home compostable and industrially compostable by TUV Austria, an independent testing and certification company. Visit www.rwdc-industries.com for details.

³ Trinseo supports manufacturers developing packaging with verifiable environmental attributes such as certified composability (ASTM D6400/EN 13432) or recyclability (where industrial facilities exist) while meeting food-contact performance needs.