As the design industry seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, Paques Biomaterials introduces an innovative solution: Caleyda. This biobased, biodegradable plastic alternative is especially relevant for product designers, packaging designers, and landscape architects who are looking for eco-friendly materials to reduce microplastic pollution.

A Solution to the Microplastics Problem

Microplastics are a growing environmental issue. They accumulate in ecosystems, harming both wildlife and human health. Paques Biomaterials offers an alternative through polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). This natural polymer is produced by bacteria as they digest organic waste, such as industrial process water or organic byproducts.

PHA is fully biodegradable and leaves no harmful microplastics behind. Therefore, it is an attractive option for designers working with plastic components, coatings, or packaging. The patented process developed by Paques Biomaterials extracts and purifies PHA into a high-quality material: Caleyda.

Circular Production from Waste Streams

Paques Biomaterials has been working on this technology for over a decade. The company has validated its process in pilot plants and a demonstration facility in Dordrecht, built in collaboration with Dutch water boards and waste company HVC.

Now, they are teaming up with ESKA, a recycled paper manufacturer, to design the first full-scale PHA production plant. By using process water from recycled paper production, Paques Biomaterials turns waste into a valuable resource. This circular approach is aligned with the goals of designers and manufacturers who want to reduce environmental impact.

Scaling Up for Industry Use

To enable industrial adoption, Paques Biomaterials secured €14 million in funding. With this, they are building an extraction facility in Emmen, which will produce batch quantities of Caleyda for testing in real-world applications.

This is an important step. It allows designers and brand owners to explore how Caleyda can be used in their own products, from biodegradable packaging to coatings. The company’s long-term goal is ambitious: they plan to open a large-scale extraction facility by 2027. This plant will have the capacity to produce 6,000 tonnes of PHA per year, helping to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials.

Early Applications: Biodegradable Fertiliser Coatings

The biodegradable plastic alternative has already shown its potential. In collaboration with Delft Solid Solutions, the material has been successfully applied as a biodegradable fertiliser coating. This solution provides controlled nutrient release over several days to months, reducing microplastic pollution in agricultural systems. Moreover, it meets both current and upcoming EU fertiliser regulations.

A Hub for Innovation

To accelerate development, Paques Biomaterials established its application team at Planet B.io on the Biotech Campus Delft. This location supports collaboration and innovation, helping the company scale up production.

As Joost Paques, co-founder and CEO, explains: “Bold cooperation is our core value. We wanted an ecosystem that supports collaboration, especially during the scale-up phase. Planet B.io provides that opportunity.”

With a focus on circularity and microbial innovation, Paques Biomaterials is working towards a more sustainable future.

Source & Photo: Biotech Campus Delft