Trinseo Launches Compostable Latex Binder Solution For Recycled Paper Board

Trinseo, a specialty materials solutions provider, today announced the launch of LIGOS BH 7340 SCE Binder, the Company’s compostable first bio-hybrid binder for use in coated paper board products.

“LIGOS BH 7340 SCE Binder is yet another example of Trinseo’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions. By offering a compostable binder, we can reduce the environmental impact of waste caused by the breakdown of paper products, in turn improving the sustainability of the entire paper board industry,” said Gregory Welsch, Global Innovation Leader, Paper & Board. “When formulated appropriately, products produced with LIGOS BH 7340 SCE Binder can enable a product to meet the certification requirements for packaging materials and are a superior solution when compared to single-use plastic packaging materials that do not break down in the environment.”

Utilizing a proprietary method that introduces corn starch as a feedstock, the binder has been imparted with biodegradable properties that meet international standards and are supported by testing. A study, which was sponsored by Trinseo and conducted by Organic Waste Systems (OWS), examined the aerobic biodegradation of LIGOS BH 7340 SCE Binder under controlled composting conditions. Results show the binder meets both the American standards of ASTM D6400 and D6868, and the international standard of ISO 18606 for compostability requirements. These standards establish the LIGOS BH 7340 SCE Binder as a compostable binder solution.

LIGOS BH 7340 SCE binder can be used to replace a significant portion of the synthetic binder in coatings, resulting in performance properties comparable to traditional paper or paperboard coatings with synthetic binders, including excellent coater runability, cohesive coating strength and glueability. Exact replacement levels will depend on coating formulations and end-use requirements.

As part of Trinseo’s efforts to advance more sustainable and compostable binder solutions, the Company looks forward to testing its latest innovation in aqueous and anaerobic conditions, in addition to field trials, to further understand the compostability of LIGOS BH 7340 SCE.