Both firms will launch the coatings for paper and board products in the food and beverage industry within North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa in the coming years
Kemira's head office in Ruoholahti, Helsinki. (Credit: J-P Kärnä/Wikipedia)
US-based Danimer Scientific has signed a multi-year license and supply agreement with Finland-based Kemira to commercialise biobased barrier coatings for paper and board products.
Both firms will launch the coatings for paper and board products in food and beverage industry within North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa in the coming years.
The recent agreement builds on the companies’ successful partnership, which began in December 2020. It aims to develop a coating and surface treatment that ensures paper and board items are compostable at home and in the workplace, as well as biodegradable in soil and water.
Both companies used Danimer’s biopolymer PHA to create the coating material, which is made from vegetable oils and acts as a biodegradable alternative to typical plastics.
According to Danimer Scientific, the new coatings are heat sealable and offer oil, water, and grease barrier.
They have the advantage of repulpability, as the new coatings allow the paper to be recycled without the need for specific equipment for full-fibre recovery.
The material has long-term viability which will allow makers to create items that support a circular economy and lessen the environmental effect.
Danimer Scientific chairman and CEO Stephen Croskrey said: “This expansion of our partnership with Kemira represents several important milestones in Danimer’s mission to reduce plastic waste.
“First, this successful project reflects the potential for PHA to serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic across multiple categories.
“Second, this new license and supply agreement establishes a new revenue stream that will further support the global commercialization of this material.
“We are grateful for Kemira’s continuing partnership and look forward to helping them bring these coatings to market.”
In November last year, Danimer Scientific and Total Corbion entered into a long-term collaborative arrangement for the supply of Luminy PLA, a biobased polymer used to manufacture compostable products.