Issue 06/2021

Materials
Custom-made PHA
formulations
PHAradox makes the next step to custom PHA based development
Helian Polymers (Belfeld, The Netherlands) positions
itself as a bridge between raw material suppliers and
converters. With its nearly fifteen years of experience
in biopolymers it is uniquely suited to transform its
industry and material knowledge into effective application
development and help customers to go from idea to product
and make the transition from traditional plastics to PHA
based solutions.
Through its new brand PHAradox, launched this summer,
it has formed strategic partnerships with the likes of
Tianan Biologic (China) and CJ BIO (South Korea) amongst
others. With access to their products (various PHA family
members) Helian Polymers is able to utilize these natural
building blocks and create unique formulations designed
to mimic properties of, say, PP and ABS. By copying, or at
least approaching, the properties and thus the functionality
of these materials the transition is easier to make and to
communicate with converters and customers alike.
Almost 2 years of R&D lab-scale compounding,
combining various PHA grades like P3HB / PHBV / PHBHx
and P3HB4HB including various fillers has resulted in
dozens of potentially commercial grades with a wide variety
of characteristics. By working closely with its customers
Helian Polymers creates shared value with its unique and
custom-made PHA based formulations. Both innovative
startups and existing brands, looking for replacement
materials, have found their way to Helian Polymers to
discuss ideas and let them evolve to sustainable business
Helian Polymers compound pilot line in Belfeld, The Netherlands
cases. There are currently more than ten projects in
active testing phases, varying from horticulture to leisure
sportswear and from food packaging to tool casings.
Operating from the south of the Netherlands, near the
German border, Helian Polymers has its own in-house
compounding pilot line, testing and warehousing facilities
(entirely powered by solar energy, to keep in line with its
environmentally conscious philosophy). Keeping everything
under one roof ensures flexibility and a fast turnaround
when it comes to the development of new biobased and
biodegradable materials. MT
www.helianpolymers.com
The Maxado tool case injection moulding test at GL Plastics (Son, The Netherlands)
with custom made PHA based PHAradox formulation by Helian Polymers. (Used with
permission)
24 bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/21] Vol. 16