In a pioneering step towards sustainable materials production, ESKA and Paques Biomaterials have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct the world’s first full-scale plant for producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) from paper process water.
The new facility, planned for ESKA’s Hoogezand site in Midden-Groningen (Netherlands) is expected to redefine waste management in the paper industry while providing a renewable alternative to plastic.
The collaboration, which builds on a partnership dating back to 2014, marks a critical advancement in integrating waste reduction with sustainable production. Over the coming year, ESKA and Paques Biomaterials will complete preparations and aim to make a final investment decision by mid-2025. If approved, the plant will not only contribute to ESKA’s goal of zero liquid discharge but will also convert organic waste from its process water into biodegradable PHA, a versatile biopolymer that can replace traditional plastic in various applications.
Bert Bodewes, ESKA’s Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, emphasized the company’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint. "Our factories have been part of the local community for over a century, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure we’re contributing positively to the environment,” Bodewes said. “With this plant, we’ll be able to purify our process water more effectively and, at the same time, produce PHA—a natural alternative to plastic. This is circularity at its finest, aligning perfectly with our goals as a certified B Corporation.”
The innovative project promises to enhance the living and working conditions around the Hoogezand site by addressing emissions and setting a new standard in circular production practices. Notably, the PHA produced will serve as a biodegradable barrier or adhesive, potentially being re-integrated into ESKA’s paper products, demonstrating a full-circle use of materials.
For Paques Biomaterials, the agreement is a milestone in scaling up PHA production. “This step is a global first in both the PHA and paper industries,” said René Rozendal, co-founder of Paques Biomaterials. “Since 2014, we’ve worked closely with ESKA, and this MoU strengthens our partnership. By producing PHA directly from process water, we’re able to achieve water purification while generating a sustainable material, creating value from a previously untapped organic waste stream.”
The new plant is set to be the first industrial system capable of transforming process water into PHA, representing a significant step toward reducing industrial waste and achieving zero liquid discharge. Rozendal noted the project’s importance for companies pursuing sustainable practices, especially those committed to comprehensive waste management solutions.
ESKA is a Dutch company specializing in the production of high-quality graphic board made from 100% recycled paper fibers. With over a century of expertise, ESKA is dedicated to sustainable manufacturing and circular solutions in the paper industry, proudly holding B Corporation certification for its environmental and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.eska.com.
Paques Biomaterials is a Dutch company focused on sustainable innovations in water purification and bioplastics. Through advanced biotechnology, Paques develops and implements systems that transform organic waste streams into valuable materials, such as biodegradable PHA, to support a circular economy. Learn more at www.paquesbiomaterials.com.
