Kemira and Jain Chem collaborate to develop sustainable barrier coatings for recyclable paper and board products in the Americas, aiming to replace common PE and harmful substances in food packaging

Kemira Oyj, Trade Media Release, August 22, 2023 at 8.00 am (EDT) / 3.00pm (EEST)

Kemira, a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions for water intensive industries, and Jain Chem, a leader in manufacturing customized chemical solutions, announce their ongoing partnership to develop and market aqueous barrier coatings for recyclable paper and board products in the Americas region.

The partnership focuses on barrier solutions that create moisture, oil, and grease resistance primarily for food service packaging. These solutions help replace commonly used polyethylene (PE) and harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in paper and board end-use applications, such as cup stock, wrapping paper, and folding carton packages that are microwavable, oven-safe, and suitable for frozen food. Jain Chem barrier technology is based on recycled raw materials and enables recyclable and repulpable end-products.

By partnering, the companies leverage Kemira’s substantial expertise in the pulp and paper industry and Jain Chem’s broad portfolio of chemical-based solutions to develop next generation barrier coatings for evolving customer needs.

The market for aqueous barrier coatings is expected to grow quickly in the Americas, as brand owners and consumers increasingly demand more sustainable packaging applications. Working together with Jain Chem, Kemira expands its barrier offering in the region and builds capabilities to meet the need to improve the recycling properties of existing paper and board packaging and to develop new fiber-based products as alternatives to single-use plastics.

“By further developing this partnership, we can supply our existing customers, the paper and board manufacturers, as well as the converters in the packaging value chain with a variety of innovative barrier solutions. Together we can provide the technical resources and product technology that allow our customers to develop and launch new products for their customers, while supporting their sustainability targets,” says Jim Rettinger, SVP, Commercial for Kemira Pulp & Paper Americas (interim).

“Jain Chem is pleased to partner with Kemira to achieve our mutually held objectives to improve value for our customers and their customers, while making a dramatic, positive impact on the circularity and sustainability of packaging. By combining the use of our respective technical and commercial capabilities, these improvements can be driven at an accelerated rate to all the stakeholders in the packaging value chain”, says Manoj Jain, CEO, Jain Chem, Ltd.

For more information, please contact:

Kemira Chemicals, Inc.
Jim Rettinger
Senior Vice President, Commercial, Pulp&Paper, Americas (interim)
Tel. +513-252-5635
jim.rettinger@kemira.com

Pascal Morin
Sr. Manager, Applications & Marketing, Surface Additives, Americas
Tel: +819-692-7589
pascal.morin@kemira.com

Jain Chem, Ltd.
Gil Sherman, Global Sales Manager, Jain Chem, Ltd.
Tel: +1 864 323 6993
gil.sherman@jainchem.com

For media relations:
Kemira Oyj
Terhi Kivinen, Chief Communications Officer
Tel: +358408484001
terhi.kivinen@kemira.com

Kemira is a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries. We provide the best-suited products and services to improve our customers’ product quality, process, and resource efficiency. Our focus is on pulp & paper, water treatment, and energy sectors. In 2022, Kemira had annual revenue of around 3.6 billion and around 5,000 employees. Kemira shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. www.kemira.com

Founded in 1977, Jain Chem, Ltd. is a minority-owned company that specializes in designing customized and unique chemical-based solutions for customers across a number of downstream businesses, including paper, packaging and textiles, worldwide. Jain Chem’s product innovation strategy is focused on environmentally friendly, green, and sustainable products. www.jainchem.com

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