CHINA – Danimer Scientific has teamed up with Ningbo Homelink Eco-iTech (Homelink), a leading Chinese manufacturer of disposable tableware, to launch home-compostable drink cups made with Danimer’s polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Nodax.
These PHA-coated cups offer a sustainable alternative to traditional paper cups by being both repulpable and compostable in home and industrial settings.
The PHA-based biopolymer developed by Danimer Scientific has undergone rigorous testing for biodegradation, disintegration, and ecotoxicity.
Designed to replace traditional polyethylene (PE) coatings, the PHA biopolymer provides a liquid barrier for paper cups, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
The new product has received certifications for home compostability from the Technical Inspection Association (TÜV) and commercial compostability from the Biodegradable Products Institute.
“Danimer and Homelink share a common mission: we are committed to replacing traditional plastics with alternative biomaterials. We are excited to partner with a global leader in disposable tableware to bring these home compostable cups to market,” said Stephen Croskrey, CEO of Danimer Scientific.
The cups have also passed the initial phase of Western Michigan University’s repulpability and recyclability test and are now seeking full certification for use in paper recycling systems.
Homelink’s PHA-coated cups are already available in grocery stores, megastores, and quick-service restaurants. Additionally, the company is constructing a new extrusion facility in Thailand to ramp up production of these eco-conscious products.
According to recent data, consumer interest in sustainability is on the rise in Thailand. Nearly 75% of consumers are more concerned about the environment than two years ago. This shift is driving demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions like PHA-coated cups.
Danimer Scientific is no stranger to innovation. Last year, the company collaborated with TotalEnergies Corbion to develop a compostable coffee pod biopolymer, blending Nodax with TotalEnergies Corbion’s Luminy High Heat polylactic acid (PLA).
The material complies with proposed EU packaging regulations, further expanding the range of sustainable packaging options.
Danimer Scientific continues to invest in PHA technology, including a new commercial production facility in Kentucky, USA, which aims to bring PHAs to the global market.
The company is expanding its applications across various industries, including food and beverage packaging, food service ware, fibers, and 3D printing.
Other companies are also leveraging Danimer’s PHA technology. For instance, Eco-Products introduced a line of compostable straws made from plant-based PHA that biodegrade in commercial and home composting environments.
Similarly, CJ Biomaterials applied its PHA biopolymer to the packaging of South Korea’s CU store chain for instant noodle cups.
These initiatives reflect the growing demand for sustainable alternatives in everyday consumer products, paving the way for a greener future.
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