Leather chemicals group Stahl has recently announced its membership of the Global Organisation for PHA (GO!PHA). By Leatherbiz.

This non-profit alliance is dedicated to advocating and advancing the utilisation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a class of naturally occurring polymers that offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic feedstocks.

PHAs are derived from bacterial fermentation and can be sourced from various organic materials such as waste streams, sugars, and plant-based feedstocks rich in fat. One of their key attributes is the ability to tailor their chemical composition, making them particularly suitable for applications requiring flexibility, such as coatings.

By joining GO!PHA, Stahl gains access to a network of over 60 stakeholders, including producers, formulators, users, as well as academic and research institutions. Together, they collaborate to deepen understanding of PHA technology and drive innovation in the field of renewable, compostable, and biodegradable materials.

Paolo Bavaj, Chief Innovation and Development Officer at Stahl, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of PHAs, emphasising their commitment to leveraging sustainable technologies. Stahl is actively exploring PHA-based applications across its product portfolio, aligning with its mission to create positive impact and contribute to a better world.

Anindya Mukherjee, Executive Board Member at GO!PHA, welcomed Stahl’s membership, highlighting the company’s expertise in specialty coatings and its valuable contribution to promoting PHA adoption. Together, they aim to advance the use of PHAs and other sustainable materials, fostering innovation and sustainability within the coatings industry.

PHAs represent a promising bio-based alternative to fossil-based plastics, offering benefits such as reduced carbon emissions and circularity. Their ability to biodegrade and compost rapidly contributes to mitigating plastic pollution and promoting a more sustainable future. Stahl’s involvement in GO!PHA underscores its commitment to driving positive change and embracing environmentally friendly solutions.