Kemira and Bluepha Announce Exclusive Partnership to Commercialise Fully Biobased Barrier Coatings in APAC
Kemira, one of the global leaders in sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries, and Shanghai Bluepha Microbiology Technology Co., Ltd., 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 fibre, 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 fibre applications, accelerating the transfer of the traditional paper industry towards a lower-carbon and sustainable future.
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.
Michelle Xiao, Head of Kemira New Ventures, APAC
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.
About Kemira
Kemira is one of the global leaders in sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries. It delivers tailored products and services to improve the product quality, processes and resource efficiency of its diverse range of customers. Its focus is on water treatment, as well as on fibre and renewable solutions – enabling sustainability transformation for customers. In 2024, Kemira reported annual revenue of EUR2.9 billion with a global team of some 4,700 colleagues. Kemira is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki
