Ningbo Homelink Eco-iTech and Danimer Scientific Announce Commercial Launch of Home Compostable Extrusion Coating Biopolymer Based on PHA
Home compostable extrusion coating biopolymer used as liquid barrier for paper hot and cold drink cups.
Danimer Scientific, Inc. (NYSE: DNMR) (“Danimer”), a leading, next-generation biotechnology company focused on the production of biodegradable materials, and Ningbo Homelink Eco-iTech Co. Ltd. (“Homelink”), a leading manufacturer of disposable tableware, have announced commercial launch of home compostable extrusion coating biopolymers made with Danimer’s signature polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Nodax ® . Homelink’s cups, coated with Nodax ® PHA-based biopolymer, will offer their customers a home and industrially compostable, and fully repulpable alternative to traditional paper cups. The PHA biopolymer grade is designed to replace polyethylene and be used as a liquid barrier coating for paper cups.
The Homelink PHA lined cups have been fully certified by TÜV as home compostable, by BPI as commercially compostable, and have passed the first phase of the Western Michigan University repulpability/recyclability test as a repulpable cup. The cups are now proceeding with full certification for recyclability in paper systems.
While industrial compostable cups are established in the marketplace, these new PHA-based coated cups offer consumers an opportunity to dispose of them at home in compost bins or backyard compost piles, along with established commercial composting programs. Danimer’s PHA-based extrusion coating biopolymer has been certified as both home and industrial compostable by TÜV AUSTRIA, and commercially compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). To achieve home or industrial compostable certifications, products must pass strict tests for biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity and regulated metals content within specific timeframes stipulated by consensus specifications such as ASTM D6868 and D8410.
Homelink’s products can be found in major grocery retailers, megastores, and quick service restaurants around the globe. Nodax ® , Danimer’s signature polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), is a 100% renewable and fully biodegradable biopolymer that can be used to formulate grades that replace a variety of traditional plastic products, particularly those that cannot be or are difficult to recycle. Homelink recently broke ground on a new extrusion facility in Thailand which will be utilized for producing the new cups.
“Danimer and Homelink share a common mission, we are committed to using alternative biomaterials to replace traditional plastics,” said Danimer Scientific’s CEO, Stephen Croskrey. “We are excited to partner with a world leader in disposable tableware to bring these home compostable cups to the market. “
