Carl Bergman
Nordic Bioproducts Group: Editorial portrait (Olli Dahl & Olli K
Nordic Bioproducts Group: Editorial portrait (Olli Dahl & Olli Kähkönen) 2023/09 Espoo, Finland
Nordic Bioproducts Group (NBG), a biomaterial innovation company and developer of pioneering AaltoCell Technology, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PTT MCC Biochem Company Limited (PTT MCC) headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the advancement of bioplastic technology and includes, for example, PTT MCC utilizing Nordic Bioproducts Group’s cellulosic fibers as an ingredient in its innovative bioplastic product called BioPBS.
The joint development project is focused on creating next-generation bioplastics, specifically new grades of BioPBS (Bio-Polybutylene succinate) that leverage Nordic Bioproduct Group's biomaterial expertise and integrate its advanced cellulosic materials, such as its sustainable activated cellulose fibers. The cellulose can serve as a key component in the manufacturing process of bioplastics, effectively replacing petroleum-derived substances.
The project's target is to produce bioplastic materials that not only boost home compostability and biodegradability, but also deliver advanced properties and performance, enabling penetration into new markets where petroleum-based plastic products have dominated.
The project will prioritize the development of 'home compostable' materials targeting single-use products such as coffee capsules, cutlery, containers, plates, and mugs – enlarging the growing markets.
The coffee capsule market is expected to grow to USD 11.9 billion by 2032, with Asia Pacific being the largest market for coffee capsules in 2023, followed by Western Europe. However, most capsules are produced from aluminum, which can be recycled but is not compostable. As single-use packages more often end up in nature than recycling centers, ensuring their compostability is key to making the whole industry more environmentally friendly.
NBG’s activated cellulose fibers meets the strict food container safety regulations and is uncompromising in quality and purity. It is derived from clean water and FSC-certified, traceable, sustainably managed forests in Finland, making it the perfect solution for the growing industry without compromising product quality or price.
Thailand is the world’s second-largest producer of bioplastics, with the local government supporting many initiatives helping the world move from plastics to biodegradable bioplastics. As a result, the collaboration between NBG and PTT MCC is a natural step towards advancing innovation in bioplastics.
“The collaboration represents a significant step forward in the green transition through innovative, high- performance, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. Bringing high-quality and competitive solutions to the market is key to making alternatives to plastic attractive and scalable," says Olli Kähkönen, CEO and co-founder of Nordic Bioproducts Group.
The new MOU with PTTMCC is a continuation of Nordic Bioproducts Group’s success in the Asian market, followed by its partnership with Marubeni, the Japanese multinational corporation.
“We are delighted that big companies like Marubeni and PTTMCC have trusted us and our technology to help them achieve their ambitious goals. As we are gearing towards impact at scale and mass production, we can be a vital partner for more and more big global companies, helping them create environmentally conscious products that meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability,” Kähkönen concludes.
A spinoff from Aalto University, Nordic Bioproducts Group was founded in 2019 by Professor Olli Dahl and Senior Commercial Officer Olli Kähkönen in cooperation with the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering.