ESKA x Paques Biomaterials: Wastewater meets Innovation
A World-First Partnership that packs an Eco-Punch
At ESKA, sustainability drives our innovation— and our latest leap in circularity goes even further, starting with a drop of water.
That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Paques Biomaterials, marking a bold leap towards circular innovation in sustainable packaging.
We are now working with Paques biomaterials to implement a world-first technology that will turn the recycled process water from our paper production plant into bio-based, biodegradable PHA biopolymers.
This huge step in sustainable innovation will offer a cleaner, greener alternative to traditional plastics used in barrier coatings— with the potential to revolutionise premium packaging and more.
The Future of Eco-Packaging
These PHAs don’t just look and feel like plastic—they’re being developed to perform like it too.
But unlike most other plastics, they’re fully biodegradable, offering high-performance protection while dramatically lowering environmental impact.
One of the most exciting applications is Packaging. PHAs have a great potential to be used as biodegradable barrier coatings, offering a stunning, sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastic. Think food, beauty products, spirits —all protected with purpose.
It’s packaging that doesn’t cost the earth.
From Process Water to Plastic Alternative
Here comes the science bit…
Using our closed-loop water system at the Hoogezand plant, starch and organic matter present in our process water are recovered using Paques Biomaterials’ unique process, which ferments and aerates this content into a series of biological reactors, forming a PHA enriched biomass.
The biomass is then dried into a powder and can be used to produce 1,500 tonnes of bio-based and biodegradable PHA per year.
Not only are we developing a new sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials, but the process is also energy-efficient—heat generated during fermentation fuels the system itself and the board making process of ESKA, showing just how elegantly circular this innovation is.
“The construction of the first full-scale PHA biomass plant on organic waste is a global first—not just in the PHA industry, but also in the paper industry.”
— René Rozendal, Co-Founder, Paques Biomaterials
A Real Circular Economy, in Action
This partnership is a prime example of how circular design can work at scale. By transforming process waste into valuable material, we will be able to reduce dependency on fossil resources while pioneering cleaner production, smarter use, and responsible reuse.
We don’t just focus on end products—we rethink every process, every loop, every possibility.
B Corp on Board
At ESKA, we believe nothing should ever go to waste. We use recycled water, turn by-products into energy, and now transform waste into future-ready biomaterials.
Our commitment to the planet is why we’ve been awarded B Corp status again—for our Premium product range, for our closed-loop innovations, and for our revolutionary Waste to Energy plant.
And we’re not stopping there. We’ve set our sights on a zero-waste ambition. Developing biodegradable biopolymers is a key part of that journey.
Let’s Prosper Together
This is just the beginning. We’re inviting like-minded brands to join us on this journey—to design, innovate, and co-create a world that thrives on responsibility and bold thinking.
If you’re ready to make your packaging part of the solution, let’s talk.
B Corp: B the best you can Be
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