Page 46 - Plastics News May 2023

BUSINESS NEWS

NOVA and Pregis Collaborate on Sustainable Flex- PHA coatings can
ible Food Packaging
solve recyclability
requirement

new partnership between raw
A materials supplier Trinseo and
bioplastic producer RWDC Indus-
tries LLC will address the chal-
lenge of the recyclability of barrier-
coated paper and board packaging,
the companies have announced.
Building on ongoing efforts to op-
timise PHA dispersions for paper
and paperboard barrier coating ap-
hicago-based flexible and pro- investments in custom equipment, plications, the two plan to further
Ctective packaging manufacturer technical resources, and processes. develop and commercialise polyhy-
Pregis is collaborating with NOVA These investments further enhance its droxyalkanoates (PHA) dispersion
Chemicals to use the latter’s Syndigo capabilities to provide circular flexible technology for specific target mar-
recycled PE resins for applications packaging for the market. kets. This technology will be based
such as stand-up pouches, fitmented Said NOVA’s director of mechani- on RWDC’s proprietary Solon PHA
pouches, and lay-flat bags. The col- cal recycling Alan Schrob, “As part of and aimed at creating water-based
laboration enables sustainable packag- our commitment to circularity, we’re barrier coatings that are recyclable
ing that supports the growing brand proud to bring our first mechanically in traditional paper processes, or-
owner demand for reliable and high- recycled food-contact grade to mar- ganically recyclable via compost-
quality food-safe recycled content. ket. We have a long history as a sup- ing, and biodegradable in soil and
The resin to be used in this collabora- plier to Pregis and believe that this marine environments. It can offer a
tion is NOVA’s Syndigo rPE-0860-FC collaboration will deliver new solu- material solution for an application
resin. It reportedly leverages state-of- tions that support the growing brand that has high-performance require-
the-art production technology and is owner demand for high-quality, food- ments while being environmentally
a low-carbon solution allowing for su- safe recycled content.” safe, as Blake Lindsey, CCO for
perior performance ideally suited for NOVA Chemicals is focused on ap- RWDC Industries, noted.
food packaging applications. Excellent plying its food safety and regulatory The partnership is an example of
printability and clarity are said to be knowledge to recycled polyethylene. how Trinseo is ‘striving to refine
achieved in the final product because This results in an approach that goes our product portfolio to deliver
of the outstanding aesthetic features. beyond the FDA-LNO (letter of non- innovative, customer-centric prod-
Through its efforts in lightweight- objection) and demonstrates NOVA ucts that solve material challenges
ing and advanced film technologies, Chemicals’ capabilities. Working to- with tailored, sustainable solutions’,
Pregis has been a key driver in lead- gether, the companies have co-devel- according to Andre Hugentobler,
ing the circular economy for plastics. oped high-performing product pack- global new business development
The company focuses on sustainable aging that explores optimal recycled and technology & innovation direc-
innovation and has made significant content incorporation. tor, Latex Binders at Trinseo.

46 PLASTICS NEWS May 2023