Trinseo joins RWDC to advance PHA dispersion coatings for compostable packaging

USA – US materials company Trinseo has signed a joint development agreement with RWDC Industries to develop shelf-stable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) dispersion technology for barrier coatings in packaging applications. 

The partnership targets the growing market for solutions that offer both compostability and recyclability.

According to company statements, the technology has achieved key runnability targets at pilot scale using Trinseo’s coater facility. 

This includes success across multiple coating methods on paper and board substrates. 

Alan Piwowar, Trinseo’s technical service and development specialist, noted in a statement that the prototypes show strong performance against oil, grease and moisture. 

He added that the work since May 2023 has led to substantial progress in PHA dispersion technology.

Engineers have reformulated the PHA dispersion to fit standard paper-drying conditions, resulting in better film formation and enhanced coating durability. 

RWDC produces these dispersions from non-food-grade feedstocks.

Independent certification from TUV Austria confirms they are biobased, industrially and home-compostable, and biodegradable in marine and freshwater environments.

The coatings integrate easily into existing production lines with other water-based systems. This enables hybrid formulations that improve barrier properties while preserving compostable and recyclable features. 

In a statement, RWDC business development director Geoff Nobes said PHA dispersion technology will play a key role in providing compostable and recyclable options for the packaging sector. 

He indicated that the collaboration with Trinseo aims to bring the technology to market for diverse uses, supporting a shift toward more responsible packaging practices.

Trinseo, headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania, runs manufacturing sites in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. 

The firm employs 3,000 staff and recorded net sales of US$3.5 billion in 2024. RWDC specializes in bio-based materials, with its Solon PHA biopolymer line applied in consumer goods, food-service items, packaging, non-wovens and textiles.

In related developments, Heidelberg and Solenis recently introduced an industrial process for applying cost-effective barrier coatings to paper packaging. 

This method uses digital printing techniques to apply water-based barriers, reducing material use and enabling recyclability for food and beverage containers. 

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