z-rwdc-industries

A Major Step Forward in the Fight Against Microplastics

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:45:16 GMT

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Today’s announcement from HHS and ARPA-H is an important moment in the national conversation around microplastics and human health.

A $144 million federal initiative focused on detecting, understanding, and ultimately helping address microplastics in the human body signals something meaningful: This issue is no longer being treated only as an environmental concern. It is increasingly being recognized as a public health challenge that deserves serious scientific attention, national urgency, and real investment.

At RWDC, we believe this matters because the conversation around single-use plastic must evolve. For too long, the focus has centered primarily on waste, recycling, and pollution. Those issues remain important, but the growing body of research and the attention now coming from the federal government make clear that the human health dimension can no longer be pushed aside. When institutions like HHS and ARPA-H step forward in this way, it validates the need for deeper action across industry, science, and policy.

Our role in that future is clear.

RWDC is working to replace petroleum-based, single-use plastics with Solon PHA, a naturally occurring biopolymer designed to return safely to nature without leaving microplastics behind.

We are not a research agency, and we are not claiming to solve this challenge alone. But we are committed to being part of the solution by helping make better material choices possible in the first place.

That is why this announcement matters so much.

It reinforces the urgency of reducing reliance on conventional plastics while advancing the science needed to better understand the consequences already unfolding. We welcome this initiative, we applaud the investment, and we believe it marks another important step toward a future with fewer persistent plastic particles in our bodies, our water, our food systems, and our world.

Real Cost of Plastic Is Far Beyond the Price Tag

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:43:20 GMT

Plastic is often described as cheap, convenient, and efficient. At checkout, it looks that way. But new research makes clear that plastic is only cheap because its real costs are being paid somewhere else.

A recent report from Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability estimates that the social cost of plastic in the United States alone reaches as high as $1.1 trillion every year . That figure reflects the accumulated impacts of plastic across its entire lifecycle, from fossil fuel extraction and manufacturing to public health, environmental damage, waste management, and climate pollution. The researchers emphasize that this estimate is likely conservative, noting significant data gaps that make it difficult to fully capture plastic’s true toll.

A Broader Way to Account for Plastic’s Impact

This concept of “social cost” reframes the plastic conversation. It moves the issue beyond recycling rates and litter and toward a more honest accounting of who ultimately pays. The price printed on a product does not include the health care costs associated with toxic exposure, the taxpayer dollars spent managing plastic waste, or the long-term environmental damage linked to plastic production and disposal.

That message came through clearly in a recent episode of NRDC’s What the Earth? where Margie Kelly spoke with Renée Sharp, NRDC’s director of plastics and petrochemical advocacy. Sharp connected the Duke findings to everyday life in direct terms.

“Plastic is fake cheap,” Sharp said. “It looks cheap. It seems cheap. It is not cheap. The real costs show up in our health, our communities, and our environment.”

The Duke report puts numbers behind that statement. Health related impacts account for a significant portion of the estimated cost, including increased disease burden, lost productivity, and premature deaths linked to pollution and chemical exposure. Environmental contamination, climate emissions from fossil fuel-based plastics, and the cost of cleanup and waste management add hundreds of billions more.

When Plastic Pollution Becomes Personal

What makes this moment different is where the science is now pointing. Researchers have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, placental tissue, arterial plaque, and brain tissue. Plastic pollution is no longer something that exists only in oceans or landfills. It is now inside the human body.

Sharp addressed that shift directly in the interview, noting that people did not consent to this exposure. Plastic was marketed as a miracle material, she explained, without any warning that it would fragment into microscopic particles that end up in our air, water, food, and organs.

This growing body of evidence is changing how plastic is perceived across political and cultural lines. Public concern is expanding beyond aesthetics and waste toward human health and long-term societal cost. The Duke analysis provides policymakers, businesses, and communities with a framework to evaluate plastic not by convenience alone, but by its real impact on people and systems.

If plastic were priced honestly, the market would look very different. Until then, understanding the social cost of plastic is a critical step toward safer materials, smarter policy, and choices that put human health first.

The Case for Replacing Microplastics at the Source Has Never Been Clearer

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:22:01 GMT

Another major report on microplastics just landed in California, and it underscores exactly why RWDC exists. The products people use every day are shedding microscopic plastic particles into the air we breathe and the food we eat. The solution isn’t more filters, warnings, or end-of-life fixes.

It’s better materials, designed from the start to protect human health.

Another Day, Another Disturbing Report

California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released its latest overview of microplastics in consumer products, and the findings confirm what researchers, health advocates, and early movers like RWDC have been emphasizing for years: exposure isn’t occasional, incidental, or tied to a single product category. It’s structural. It’s routine. And it’s happening inside homes, schools, restaurants, and workplaces every day.

The report tracks how familiar items shed microplastics through ordinary use. Baby bottles made from polypropylene release particles when heated or shaken during formula preparation. Plastics used in food packaging — from beverage bottles and caps to cling films, snack wrappers, and polystyrene takeout containers — shed microplastics under heat, friction, and simple mechanical stress. Children’s toys, especially slimes, foams, polymer clays, and glitter-based products, transfer primary microplastics to hands, surfaces, and mouths.

Even products most people never consider contribute to this ongoing cycle. Water-based interior paints release microplastics when brushes and rollers are washed out, and dried paint layers shed particles into indoor dust over time. Detergents and fabric softeners rely on polymers and fragrance microcapsules that persist through wastewater treatment and travel into waterways. Agricultural plastic film mulch breaks down directly into soil, affecting everything from microbial communities to crop health.

When these pathways converge, the picture becomes impossible to dismiss: microplastics flow into our environment, and our bodies, because the materials at the foundation of consumer products were never designed with human health in mind. They were designed for convenience, cost, and scale.

RWDC: Built to Change the Game

The encouraging element in DTSC’s findings is its acknowledgment that alternatives already exist. Glass, stainless steel, cellulose, mineral-based materials, paper systems, and genuinely biodegradable biopolymers, including PHA, offer realistic, high-performance options that do not leave behind persistent particles. These are not hypothetical materials. They are commercially viable today.

What’s needed now is commitment — from regulators, manufacturers, and brands who understand that the era of microplastic-dependent product design is ending.

California’s report will influence which products are designated as “Priority Products,” triggering reformulation requirements and accelerating the shift to safer materials. Globally, the movement is already gaining traction, with the European Union phasing out several categories of intentionally added microplastics by 2029.

Time for Action

The momentum is real. The science is clear. And the opportunity is enormous.

Microplastic exposure may be a daily reality, but it doesn’t have to be our future. RWDC is leading the shift toward materials that protect human health and return safely to the earth. It’s the only path forward where the products we rely on add value to our lives without leaving a permanent trace.

Groundbreaking Research Links Microplastics to Increased Heart Disease Risk

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 21:45:01 GMT

Recent groundbreaking research published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed a disturbing connection between microplastics and cardiovascular health. The study found that patients with microplastics in their arterial plaque faced 4.5 times higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death compared to those without plastic particles present.

This research, conducted in Italy, examined plaque removed from 257 patients' carotid arteries. A striking 58% of samples contained measurable amounts of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride - common plastics found in everyday items. These findings underscore the urgent need for alternatives to traditional plastics that won't break down into harmful microplastics.

Path Forward

As Dr. Philip Landrigan noted in his editorial accompanying the study, "inaction is no longer an option." The evidence is clear: The convenience of traditional plastics comes at a cost far higher than previously understood . The development of truly biodegradable materials has become crucial for both environmental and human health.

Commitment to Change

At RWDC Industries, we're addressing this critical health and environmental challenge through innovative PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) technology. Unlike traditional plastics that fragment into harmful microplastics, PHA completely biodegrades in natural environments, leaving no toxic trace.

Working with global brand owners, we're developing PHA-based materials that meet the rigorous standards of consumer products while ensuring environmental and human safety. Our commitment goes beyond creating eco-friendly alternatives – we're working to eliminate the very source of microplastic pollution.

Through innovation and commitment to sustainability, we're helping create a future where plastic pollution – and its health implications – are a thing of the past.

Lummus Reinforces Commitment to Biopolymer PHA Commercialization with New Investment in RWDC Industries

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:07:19 GMT

Strategic investment accelerates development of the first commercial-scale PHA facility, driving global adoption of eco-friendly plastics to mitigate environmental and health concerns

HOUSTON and ATHENS, GA, June 5, 2024 — Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, has taken a lead investor position in RWDC Industries' convertible bond round, further strengthening the partnership between the two companies to bring polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) to the global market. This strategic investment marks a significant milestone in commercialization of PHA, a biodegradable and environmentally safe alternative to petroleum-based plastics that can help mitigate the accelerating health concerns associated with persistent plastics and microplastics in the environment and support the development of a circular economy.

Since signing a binding Joint Development and Commercial Cooperation Agreement in September 2023, Lummus and RWDC have made substantial progress in their shared mission to accelerate worldwide adoption of PHA and prepare the technology for global licensing. The engineering phase of RWDC’s first commercial-scale PHA facility is nearly complete, with detailed engineering and preconstruction activities set to be finalized in the coming months. Lummus' lead investment in RWDC's convertible bond round will enable completion of these final stages, targeting groundbreaking of the facility in early 2025.

“Lummus’ investment in RWDC is a testament to our unwavering commitment to commercializing PHA and advancing the circular economy of the polymer industry,” said Leon de Bruyn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lummus Technology. “By combining our expertise in process technology with RWDC’s innovative PHA production capabilities, we are poised to make a significant impact on the world's transition to sustainable and more carbon neutral materials.”

“Lummus’ support as the lead investor in our convertible bond round is a major step forward for RWDC and the future of PHA,” said Dr. Daniel Carraway, Chief Executive Officer, RWDC. “This investment not only accelerates our journey towards construction of our first commercial-scale PHA production facility but also validates the immense potential of our technology in addressing the global challenge of plastic pollution.”

The convertible bond round remains open to select investors through July 2024. Interested parties are encouraged to contact RWDC at investor@rwdc-industries.com for more information.

About Lummus : Lummus Technology is the global leader in developing technology solutions that make modern life possible and focus on a more sustainable, low carbon future. We license process technologies in clean fuels, renewables, petrochemicals, polymers, gas processing and supply lifecycle services, catalysts, proprietary equipment and digitalization to customers worldwide. To learn more about Lummus, visit www.LummusTechnology.com .

About RWDC Industries: Founded in 2016, RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that utilizes natural processes to produce materials for use in our daily lives. RWDC develops innovative, cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including Solon™ PHA, a fully biodegradable and environmentally safe material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications from single use articles to consumer goods or food packaging to non-wovens and textiles. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. For more information on RWDC, visit www.rwdc-industries.com .

Media Contacts:
Lummus Technology
Matt Braud
Marketing and Communications, Lummus Technology
+1 281 368 3116 (direct)
+1 225 335 3392 (cell)
Matthew.Braud@LummusTech.com

RWDC Industries
Jon Sumple
Senior Vice President Marketing & Communications
+1 706 363 3040, ext. 103
jsumple@rwdc-industries.com

PHA is the Future of Sustainable Packaging

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:04:31 GMT

Dr. Daniel Carraway, Co-Founder and CEO of RWDC Industries, recently participated in the "How is Environmental Sustainability Transforming Packaging Today and in the Future?" panel at the Future of Packaging Conference. The panel discussion focused on the urgent need to address the global microplastics problem and the role of sustainable packaging solutions in mitigating the environmental impact of plastic pollution.

During the panel, Dr. Carraway emphasized that while recycling is an important aspect of managing plastic waste, it alone is not sufficient to solve the crisis. In fact, recent studies have shown that recycling processes can contribute to the generation of microplastics, which can then enter the environment and pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems.

Dr. Carraway highlighted the potential of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) as a game-changing solution for replacing petroleum-based plastics. PHA is a 100% natural, biodegradable polymer that can be used to create a wide range of packaging products, from rigid containers to flexible films. Unlike traditional plastics, PHA can biodegrade in various environments, including soil, water, and marine settings, without leaving behind harmful residues.

The panel also discussed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including global brand owners, legislatures, and single-use plastic manufacturers, to accelerate the adoption of sustainable packaging materials like PHA. Dr. Carraway emphasized that by working together, we can drive the transition away from conventional plastics and create a more sustainable future for packaging.

RWDC Industries is at the forefront of this transition, developing a large-scale PHA production facility and partnering with global brands to develop eco-friendly packaging solutions. With the increasing awareness of the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution, the demand for sustainable alternatives like PHA is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is crucial to recognize that recycling alone is not the answer. By embracing innovative materials like PHA and working collaboratively to drive change, we can significantly reduce the global microplastics problem and create a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.

Lummus and RWDC Announce Agreement to Accelerate and Scale PHA Production

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:46:36 GMT

Next phase of partnership will increase global availability and adoption of natural alternative to petroleum-based plastics

HOUSTON, September 5, 2023 — Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, and RWDC Industries, a biotechnology company developing biopolymer material solutions, announced a binding Joint Development and Commercial Cooperation Agreement (JDCCA) to rapidly expand manufacturing and global licensing of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). In April, Lummus and RWDC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on global PHA deployment initiatives.

"This agreement highlights Lummus and RWDC’s strong commitment to addressing plastic waste and the carbon footprint associated with conventional plastics production," said Leon de Bruyn, Lummus Technology’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our partnership in this innovative space aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting our ongoing dedication to developing technologies that accelerate the use and availability of eco-friendly plastics."

"We look forward to the value that will be created in combining Lummus’ expertise with ours to improve people’s lives and health by making PHA polymers and resins available at large scale," said Dr. Daniel Carraway, RWDC’s Chief Executive Officer. "It has always been our goal to develop sustainable materials that benefit every living thing on the planet, and this partnership is a monumental step in that direction. Lummus’ and RWDC’s decision to work together is an exciting development toward making it possible for more people to benefit from natural materials while preserving resources and our environment for future generations."

RWDC uses plant-based oils, including post-consumer or waste cooking oils, to produce its proprietary Solon™ PHA, which can be organically recycled or composted in home and industrial composting facilities. Products or packaging made with PHA that find their way into the environment, therefore, will fully biodegrade in soil, fresh water, and marine settings, preventing persistent plastics and microplastics from accumulating in the environment. Articles produced with PHA also can be recycled, re-used or returned to the carbon cycle by way of organic recycling or composting systems.

Lummus’ interest in pursuing this partnership is testament to RWDC’s attractiveness to licensors, due to its demonstrable technology innovation and technical capabilities; commercial value proposition and unit economics; and existing global brand partnerships that continuously validate market demand.

RWDC is uniquely positioned as the only PHA manufacturer in the market to provide scalable and cost-effective biopolymer production and first- and best-in-class formulation capabilities and guidance on conversion for product development. Licensing and technology development through its forthcoming partnership with Lummus further enhances RWDC’s position as a market leader. Moreover, Lummus’ polymer expertise, illustrated through its Novolen® polypropylene technology, highlights a commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions in polyolefin technology to drive transformative change within the plastics industry.

# # #

About Lummus: Lummus Technology is the global leader in developing technology solutions that make modern life possible and focus on a more sustainable, low carbon future. We license process technologies in clean fuels, renewables, petrochemicals, polymers, gas processing and supply lifecycle services, catalysts, proprietary equipment and digitalization to customers worldwide. To learn more about Lummus, visit www.LummusTechnology.com .

About RWDC Industries: Founded in 2016, RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that utilizes natural processes to produce materials for use in our daily lives. RWDC develops innovative, cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including SolonTM PHA, a fully biodegradable and environmentally safe material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications from single use articles to consumer goods or food packaging to non-wovens and textiles. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. Its global headquarters is in Singapore and operational headquarters is in Athens, Georgia. For more information on RWDC, visit www.rwdc-industries.com .

Media Contacts:

Lummus Technology:

Matt Braud
Marketing and Communications, Lummus Technology
+1 281 368 3116 (direct)
+1 225 335 3392 (cell)
Matthew.Braud@LummusTech.com

RWDC Industries:

Blake Lindsey

Chief Commercial Officer

+1 706 363 3040, ext. 103

+1 678 372 3510 (cell)

blindsey@rwdc-industries.com

Alfa Laval and RWDC announce joint development agreement to advance circular economy solutions

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:43:44 GMT

Combined expertise will accelerate scale-up of sustainable materials production to reduce global reliance on single-use, petroleum-based plastics

July 18, 2023 — Alfa Laval, a global leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation, and fluid handling technologies, and RWDC Industries, a biotechnology company developing biopolymer material solutions, recently signed a joint development agreement to improve equipment development and closed-loop processes used in the manufacture of alternative materials to unsustainable plastics.

The two companies are exploring process-improvement opportunities for biopolymer manufacturing, including equipment refinement to enhance commercial scale production of high-quality and cost-effective biopolymers. The collaboration will leverage Alfa Laval's expertise in heat-transfer and separation technologies aiming to develop advanced manufacturing practices using RWDC’s proprietary biopolymer production systems.

“I am thrilled by the dynamics of our two innovative companies combining knowledge to accelerate commercialization of tomorrow’s sustainable materials,” says Karin Forsberg, President BU Energy Separation at Alfa Laval. “This collaboration allows us to take a holistic approach to the entire production process in terms of product recovery, water circularity, and energy efficiency.”

“Whenever teams from RWDC and Alfa Laval sit down together, great things happen,” says RWDC Chief Operating Officer Ryan Adolphson. “We look forward to a mutually rewarding partnership as we collaborate in creating solutions that eliminate our global reliance on single-use plastic products.”

RWDC has developed proprietary technologies for harvesting outputs from a microbial fermentation process that produces a naturally occurring biodegradable polymer known as PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate). RWDC's PHA, branded as Solon™ PHA, has been certified by TUV Austria as fully biodegradable in soil, water, and marine conditions. It decomposes completely, leaving no toxic residue.

Alfa Laval and RWDC are confident this partnership will yield groundbreaking solutions and fast track the scale-up of commercial production capabilities worldwide.

About Alfa Laval: Alfa Laval is a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation, and fluid handling, and is active in the areas of Energy, Marine, and Food & Water, offering its expertise, products, and service to a wide range of industries in some 100 countries. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets. Alfa Laval’s innovative technologies are dedicated to purifying, refining, and reusing materials, promoting more responsible use of natural resources. They contribute to improved energy efficiency and heat recovery, better water treatment, and reduced emissions. Thereby, Alfa Laval is not only accelerating success for its customers, but also for people and the planet. Making the world better, every day. Alfa Laval has 20,300 employees. Annual sales in 2022 were SEK 52.1 billion (approx. EUR 4.9 billion). The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

About RWDC Industries: RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that utilizes natural processes to produce materials for use in our daily lives. RWDC develops innovative, cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including SolonTM PHA, a fully biodegradable and environmentally safe material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications from single use articles to consumer goods or food packaging to non-wovens and textiles. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. Its global headquarters is in Singapore, and its operational headquarters is in Athens, Georgia. For more information on RWDC, visit www.rwdc-industries.com .

Media Contacts:

Alfa Laval:

Tomas Bäckefjord

VP Marketing & Communications, Alfa Laval Corporate AB

+46 46 36 65 00

tomas.backefjord@alfalaval.com

Karin Forsberg, MSc. Chem Eng

President Business Unit Energy Separation, Vice President Energy Division

+46 46 289 1566

karin.forsberg@alfalaval.com

RWDC Industries:

Jon Sumple

SVP Marketing and Communications

+1 706 363 3040 x133

jsumple@rwdc-industries.com

Ryan Adolphson

Chief Operating Officer

+1 706 254 7500

rba@rwdc-industries.com

RWDC participates in United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 21:21:25 GMT

Members of RWDC Industries were invited by the United States delegation to attend the second session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (UN-INC2) last month in Paris.

Over 1500 delegates were granted access to the general sessions, while more than 3000 additional attendees were on hand to meet with delegates. During a stakeholder session, RWDC Chief Commercial Officer Blake Lindsey presented to the US delegation and Larke Williams, the Lead Plastic Pollution Negotiator at U.S. Department of State, a general overview on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and its benefits.

“Attending these events allows us to help create awareness about the value of PHA,” said Lindsey. “RWDC is playing a major role in supporting industry efforts to clarify what PHA is and what it isn’t.”

In addition to attending the stakeholder session, RWDC also met with representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States Department of Energy (DOE), and members of the White House staff.

RWDC is assisting PHA industry leaders like fellow UN-INC2 attendees Dr. Bryan Haynes, of Kimberly-Clark, and Anindya Mukherjee, co-founder of GO!PHA, to help educate and raise awareness about the benefits of PHA so global government officials understand the impact it can have as a replacement for single-use, petroleum-based plastics.

“It is important for global policymakers to understand the differences between petroleum-based plastics and biobased alternatives, why replacing is more important than recycling, and why biobased alternatives should not be left off acceptable materials lists supported by government agencies,” said Lindsey.

In addition to attending important industry event, RWDC also has joined INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, following an invitation from Kimberly-Clark, meeting with INDA officials during UN-INC2 to further enhance industry exposure.

RWDC also has been invited to join The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty as a result of discussions at UN-INC2. The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty brings together businesses and financial institutions committed to supporting the development of an ambitious, effective, and legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. The coalition is convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WWF, in collaboration with aligned businesses and supported by strategic NGO partners. Representatives of this NGO attended the UN-INC2, including government relations representatives for Walmart, PepsiCo, and Coca Cola.

We will continue to forge these important relationships until governments, policymakers, lobbyists, global brand owners, and consumers see PHA as THE solution to the global plastic crisis.

Trinseo and RWDC Industries Announce PHA Dispersion Partnership

Mon, 08 May 2023 16:41:09 GMT

WAYNE, Pa., and ATHENS, Ga., — Trinseo (NYSE: TSE) and RWDC Industries LLC announced today a partnership to further the development of sustainably advantaged paper and board packaging solutions by bringing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) dispersion technology to target markets. This exclusive agreement builds on the partners’ ongoing efforts to optimize PHA dispersions for paper and paperboard barrier coating applications.

Rising regulatory and consumer pressure is driving demand for sustainable replacements for non-recyclable packaging materials and chemistries, such as extruded polyethylene laminates and fiber processing with fluorochemicals. Trinseo and RWDC aim to meet this need using PHA dispersion technology to create water-based barrier coatings that are recyclable in traditional paper processes, organically recyclable via composting, and biodegradable in soil and marine environments.

“We are constantly striving to refine our product portfolio to deliver innovative, customer-centric products that solve material challenges with tailored, sustainable solutions,” said Andre Hugentobler, Global New Business Development and Technology & Innovation Director, Latex Binders, Trinseo. “Our partnership with RWDC is a perfect example of a combined approach that allows both partners to focus on what they do best and jointly deliver technical solutions that will benefit our customers and the markets they serve.”

“Our new partnership with Trinseo is a critical step in our journey to bring Solon™ PHA forward as an innovative material solution for an application that has high-performance requirements while being environmentally safe,” said Blake Lindsey, Chief Commercial Officer for RWDC Industries. “This is an exciting time for RWDC, and we are pleased to be working alongside global leaders like Trinseo to bring both best- and first-in-class materials to the marketplace.”

This partnership recognizes the strength both companies bring in providing cutting-edge materials, technical solutions, and development capabilities to answer immediate calls for chemistry that supports sustainable packaging solutions. Together, Trinseo and RWDC Industries will combat the challenges the world faces with single-use, non-recyclable packaging waste and fluorochemical treatments used in barrier coatings.

About Trinseo

Trinseo (NYSE: TSE), a specialty material solutions provider, partners with companies to bring ideas to life in an imaginative, smart and sustainably focused manner by combining its premier expertise, forward-looking innovations and best-in-class materials to unlock value for companies and consumers. From design to manufacturing, Trinseo taps into decades of experience in diverse material solutions to address customers’ unique challenges in a wide range of industries, including building and construction, consumer goods, medical and mobility. Trinseo’s approximately 3,400 employees bring endless creativity to reimagining the possibilities with clients all over the world from the company’s locations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Trinseo reported net sales of approximately $5.0 billion in 2022. Discover more by visiting www.trinseo.com and connecting with Trinseo on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook and WeChat.

About RWDC Industries

RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that utilizes natural processes to produce materials for use in our daily lives. RWDC develops innovative, cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including SolonTM PHA, a fully biodegradable and environmentally safe material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications from single use articles to consumer goods or food packaging to non-wovens and textiles. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. Its global headquarters is in Singapore, and its operational headquarters is in Athens, Georgia.

For more information on RWDC, visit www.rwdc-industries.com

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, projections, forecasts, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are not statements of historical facts or guarantees or assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words like "expect," "anticipate," “believe,” "intend," "forecast," "outlook," "will," "may," "might," "see," "tend," "assume," "potential," "likely," "target," "plan," "contemplate," "seek," "attempt," "should," "could," "would" or expressions of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s evaluation of information currently available and are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Factors that might cause future results to differ from those expressed by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully execute our business and transformation strategy; increased costs or disruption in the supply of raw materials; increased energy costs; our ability to successfully generate cost savings and increase profitability through asset restructuring initiatives; compliance with laws and regulations impacting our business; conditions in the global economy and capital markets; and those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part I, Item 1A —"Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our other reports, filings and furnishings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. As a result of these or other factors, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

Press Contacts:

Trinseo:
Bregje van den Braak
bvandenbraak@trinseo.com

RWDC Industries:
S. Blake Lindsey
+1 706 363 3040 x103
+1 678 372 3510 (cell)
blindsey@rwdc-industries.com

Lummus and RWDC Industries Sign MoU Accelerating PHA Production at Scale

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 16:37:30 GMT

Combined innovation, experience and strengths of Lummus and RWDC offers real solutions for the circular economy

HOUSTON, April 12, 2023 — Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, and RWDC Industries, a biotechnology company developing biopolymer material solutions, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on global PHA deployment initiatives. The signing ceremony took place at Lummus’ headquarters in Houston, Texas, with RWDC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Daniel Carraway and Lummus President and Chief Executive Officer Leon de Bruyn as signatories.

The MOU is an important step toward a joint development that will rapidly grow the manufacturing of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) through global licensing opportunities. With Lummus’ expertise in process technology and RWDC’s expertise in PHA production and application, the partnership will significantly accelerate global availability and mass adoption of this natural alternative to synthetically produced petroleum-based plastics.

“We are excited to combine Lummus and RWDC’s collective expertise, experience and resources to commercialize PHAs, a sustainable and economic solution to help address global plastic waste,” said Leon de Bruyn. “Together, we can provide eco-friendly biodegradable plastics, while driving innovation and advancing the circular economy of our industry.”

“Our focus is to make environmentally safe and highly functional biobased materials available globally,” said Dr. Carraway. “Our partnership with Lummus is a significant step toward enabling PHA to assist our customers — and, therefore, consumers — in meeting the global challenge of plastics pollution.”

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About RWDC Industries: Founded in 2016, RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that utilizes natural processes to produce materials for use in our daily lives. RWDC develops innovative, cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including SolonTM PHA, a fully biodegradable and environmentally safe material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications from single use articles to consumer goods or food packaging to non-wovens and textiles. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. Its global headquarters is in Singapore and operational headquarters is in Athens, Georgia, For more information on RWDC, visit www.rwdc-industries.com .

Media Contacts:

RWDC Industries:

Blake Lindsey

Chief Commercial Officer

+1 706 363 3040 x103

+1 678 372 3510 (cell)

blindsey@rwdc-industries.com

Lummus Technology:

Matt Braud
Marketing and Communications, Lummus Technology
+1 281 368 3116 (direct)
+1 225 335 3392 (cell)
Matthew.Braud@LummusTech.com

Is plastic recycling broken?

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 21:32:44 GMT

Across the globe, many people and businesses do their best to recycle. We all want to keep our earth clean, and trash out of our streets and ecosystems, and recycling is a good way to do that — right? While not for lack of good intentions by many, recycling does not work as sufficiently as one might think.

The world has generated  seven billion tonnes of plastic waste, but less than 10 percent has been recycled . The 90 percent of plastic that is not recycled should go to a landfill, but often it makes its way into our environment, particularly our waters, where it can persist for hundreds of years.

According to  a report  from the University of Georgia and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually. This flow of plastic into our oceans is not expected to slow down either. A report from researchers at the PEW Charitable Trust found that plastic entering the oceans will triple by 2040  if we continue business as usual.

Plastic is not just a sore sight; plastic waste also endangers wildlife. According to  a fact sheet sponsored by the United Nations , "plastic waste kills up to 1 million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals, marine turtles and countless fish." In addition, plastic in the ocean micronizes and accumulates in the fish we eat. The fish we eat then become one of many sources of  microplastic ingestion by humans , where it can then potentially  accumulate in our blood .

The obvious answer to plastics' threat to our ecosystems, wildlife and potentially our health is to use bio-based materials like  RWDC’s Solon™ PHA , a biovanescent material. This means Solon is entirely marine biodegradable and does not break down into microplastics. The novel material is also a 'drop in replacement' to existing plastic manufacturing processes and is cost-effective. Solon is safe for all life — plants, animals and humans alike.

While Solon is the future, presently, individuals and companies must be educated on how and what they recycle. While most types of plastics cannot be recycled effectively, some can. Those materials that can be recycled are Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

In the United States, individuals can easily find what plastic an item is by looking for the resin identification code, which is a number from 1 to 7 enclosed in chasing arrows. In the U.S., the number 1 is PET, and the number 2 is HDPE. Any other number circled in chasing arrows should be thrown in the trash. It is important to remember that the chasing arrows on your plastic item indicate what type of plastic it is, not that it is recyclable!

RWDC's partner Temasek has made a useful infographic that will help you remember which everyday items are recyclable. It also notes that recyclables should always be cleaned before throwing them in the bin! And for those living in Singapore, Temasek has included other important information on the status of recycling in Singapore and where individuals can recycle.

New research indicates microplastics found in human bloodstream

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 21:23:45 GMT

After years of speculation surrounding the potential health impact of microplastics on humans, the verdict is in: Scientists from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam have documented the presence of microplastics in human blood for the very first time. The pioneering research discovered the following plastics in bloodstream samples:

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – commonly used to produce plastic water bottles
Polystyrene (PS) – widely used for food packaging and food service plastic articles like cutlery
Polyethylene (PE) – most often used as a plastic liner in paper coffee cups and carrier bags

“It’s really not a surprise, is it? If plastics have been proven to be present in animal organs and bloodstreams for years, it was just a matter of time,” says RWDC CEO Dr. Daniel Carraway. “It’s similar to society’s awareness surrounding smoking cigarettes and the tobacco-related health concerns in the 50s and 60s. We had a pretty good idea it wasn’t good for us, but it took verifiable studies to get us to wake up and understand the severity of the problem.”

RWDC Industries’ mission is to replace petroleum-based plastics with a renewable, sustainable, and natural alternative: Solon™ PHA, a biovanescent material that safely and completely biodegrades after its useful life. It is a material that has no human health and safety concerns.

For producers of a wide range of articles, including food packaging, food service articles as well as non-woven fibers for products such as face masks, Solon is designed to be a drop-in replacement for existing petroleum-based plastic manufacturing processes.

Now is the time for policymakers, manufacturers, packaging designers, influencers, and the public at large to take action. We welcome your inquiries as we seek to support the efforts of all organizations that are prepared to make a difference.

Please contact S. Blake Lindsey, Chief Commercial Officer of RWDC Industries at blindsey@rwdc-industries.com to learn how RWDC might support your efforts to meet the environmental, and human health and safety commitments of your constituents, partners, and customers.

RWDC INDUSTRIES RAISES US$95.1 MILLION IN SERIES B2 FUNDING

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 17:34:07 GMT

Injection of funds will help the sustainable materials developer scale up in the US and start production in Singapore to speed adoption of its biodegradable biopolymer material for consumer packaged goods

ATHENS, GEORGIA and SINGAPORE (November 23, 2021) – Singapore-based biotech start-up RWDC Industries Limited announced today the closing of a US$95.1 million Series B2 funding round that will support expansion and boost production of its biodegradable biopolymer material that will help the world’s leading fast-moving consumer goods brands speed adoption of sustainable packaging.

The new investment was co-led by Vickers Venture Partners (a global venture capital firm based in Singapore) and Temasek (a global investment company headquartered in Singapore). Other participating investors include CPV/CAP Pensionskasse Coop (the pension fund of Switzerland’s largest retail company); Optimas Global Healthcare Fund (managed by Optimas Capital based in Hong Kong) and existing shareholders. This latest round takes total funding in RWDC to US$208 million.

RWDC will use the funding to expand its PHA production capacity in its plant located in Athens in the US state of Georgia to 50 kilotons per year and develop a production facility in Singapore. The company is in discussions with the authorities in Singapore to secure a site. When ready, the plant here will be the first of such facilities in the region.

RWDC CEO and Co-founder Dr Carraway said, “The funding and support from global investors come at a critical juncture as the world battles the two monumental environmental challenges – climate change and marine litter – with the manufacture, consumption and disposal of consumer product packaging a key contributor to both, from the perspective of resource use, waste and carbon emissions. It helps us accelerate production of Solon®, our sustainable PHA material, to support the largest packaging users – converters and brand owners – and consumers to significantly reduce their use of fossil fuel-based plastics. It will speed up the adoption of sustainable packaging and help many of the world’s largest brands meet their sustainable packaging commitments of having 100 percent of their packaging be recyclable, biodegradable or compostable by 2025.”

RWDC Executive Chairman and Co-founder Mr Wee said, “We’re excited that funding will enable us to innovate and expand the range of applications of PHA, support production of Solon in Singapore, which is home to many of the global FMCG brands that rely on packaging to keep their products fresh and safe, and be strategically located in Asia, which is the epicenter of the global plastic waste and marine litter problem. We have a proven solution to the packaging conundrum faced by all consumer brands, and together, we can take sustainable packaging to a whole new level.”

Vickers Venture Partners Founder and Chairman Dr Finian Tan said, “We are committed to supporting organisations such as RWDC, who contribute towards creating a positive social impact on our environment. We believe RWDC’s edge-cutting technology provides a solution to plastic waste, marking a critical step in building a waste-free future for plastics and packaging. We look forward to supporting the company as it continues to execute its ambitious roadmap to solve our global plastic problem.”

In 2018, RWDC won the first Liveability Challenge, presented by Temasek Foundation Ecosperity, based on a proposal to use PHA to start replacing single-use plastics.

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About RWDC Industries Limited

Based in Singapore and founded in 2015 by Mr. Roland Wee and Dr Daniel Carraway, RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that develops innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including Solon®, a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). PHA is fully biodegradable and can be used as a substitute for plastic in a wide range of everyday, single-use consumer goods, from straws to utensils to cups and plates to lids. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet.

For more information on RWDC, please visit www.rwdc-industries.com

About Vickers Venture Partners

Vickers Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm focused on deep tech investments worldwide. The partners’ track records include hits such as Baidu.com, Inc, Focus Media Holding Ltd, Kongzhong Corp, Cambridge Real Estate Investment Trust, Sunfun Info Co., Asian Food Channel, UUCUN, TWG Tea, RTG Asia, JJE, Hillstone, M-Daq and Mainspring. The total market value of the companies that the partners have helped grow exceeds US$70 billion today. Vickers Venture Partners was founded by Dr Finian Tan together with his co-founders Dr Khalil Binebine, Dr Jeffrey Chi, Dr Damian Tan, Linda Li and Raymond Kong in 2005. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong, New York, Miami, Silicon Valley and London.

For more information on Vickers, please visit www.vickersventure.com

About Temasek

Temasek is a global investment company with a net portfolio value of S$381 billion (US$283 billion) as at 31 March 2021. Headquartered in Singapore, it has 13 offices in 9 countries around the world.

The Temasek Charter defines Temasek’s three roles as an Investor, Institution and Steward, which shape its ethos to do well, do right, and do good. As a provider of catalytic capital, it seeks to enable solutions to key global challenges.

With sustainability at the core of all Temasek does, it actively seeks sustainable solutions to address present and future challenges, as it captures investible opportunities to bring about a sustainable future for all.

For more information on Temasek, please visit www.temasek.com.sg .

Media Contacts:

RWDC Industries:

Andrew Wee

Senior Vice-President, Asia Pacific

Contact Page

Vickers Venture Partners:

Nicolette Ten

Senior Account Executive, SPRG

nicolette.ten@sprg.com.sg

Kimberly-Clark Partners with Biotech Innovator RWDC to Design Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Plastics

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 16:30:16 GMT

DALLAS, June 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In pursuit of its 2030 ambition to reduce the use of fossil fuel-based plastics by half before the end of the decade, Kimberly-Clark announced a partnership with the biotech company RWDC Industries to advance sustainable technology for consumer products that provides much-needed solutions to the world's single-use plastics problem.

The collaboration brings together Kimberly-Clark's deep experience in nonwoven technologies and resin development with RDWC's innovative and cost-effective biopolymer solutions. The partnership will provide Kimberly-Clark with RWDC's polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) source material, SolonTM, to develop additional products that are marine degradable.

"We've seen the growing demand from consumers and governments for companies to provide more sustainable solutions to single-use plastics," said Liz Metz, Vice President of Kimberly-Clark's Global Nonwovens business. "Solving for these challenges will take game-changing innovation as well as collaboration with industry-leading partners like RWDC to help speed these new materials to market."

This new source material for Kimberly-Clark's personal care products is one of the strategies the company is developing as part of its recently announced sustainability ambitions for 2030 that include a transition away from traditional fossil fuel-based plastics toward more renewable and regenerative materials.

The company is working to launch products featuring this innovation over the next five years, focusing first on product categories that address global demand for more sustainable products.

"We're thrilled to partner with Kimberly-Clark and play an important role in the future development of its essential products," said Dr. Daniel Carraway, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RWDC. "This partnership showcases how industry leaders can leverage the agility of emerging technologies to deliver real change. Together, we are demonstrating that we can alter the alarming growth trajectory of plastic waste while retaining quality and enabling environmental goals to be met."

RWDC, based in Athens, Ga. and Singapore, combines deep expertise in PHA properties and applications with the engineering know-how to reach cost-effective industrial scale.

RWDC uses plant-based oils to produce its proprietary PHA, which can be composted in home and industrial composting facilities. Should products or packaging made with PHA find their way into the environment, they biodegrade in soil, fresh water, and marine settings, preventing persistent plastics from accumulating in the environment.

"Kimberly-Clark aims to be a leader in driving innovative solutions that address plastic pollution," added Metz. "When combining breakthrough innovation with consumer education on the increasing number of organic recycling options, we also provide a way for Kimberly-Clark and its consumers to solve the problem of plastics in the environment together."

About RWDC Industries Limited
Based in the U.S. and Singapore, and founded in 2015 by Mr. Roland Wee and Dr. Daniel Carraway, RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company on a mission to replace single-use plastics through innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions. RWDC is the developer of Solon™, a proprietary polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that is sustainably sourced, naturally occurring, and commercially viable. The biopolymer can be substituted for plastic in a wide range of everyday, single-use consumer goods. Solon™ is biovanescent – a term pioneered by RWDC to describe materials that completely break down to water and carbon, leaving no trace. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. www.rwdc-industries.com

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB ) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's nearly 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com .

[KMB-S]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/648588/Kimberly_Clark_RGB_Blue_Logo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1525768/RWDC_Industries_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation and RWDC Industries

New video highlights RWDC's pledge to the earth and its team members

Wed, 19 May 2021 14:07:51 GMT

RWDC Industries is replacing petroleum-derived plastics with bio-based alternatives while supporting job growth and investments in Athens, Georgia .

Our goal to produce a sustainable alternative to plastic and provide excellent opportunities for team members is why AMCREF , A US-government-backed loan program that funds environmentally conscious businesses in low-income communities, has financed RWDC Industries.

RWDC is currently constructing its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility in Athens, Georgia, which will hire many in the local area.

"There are a handful of things that RWDC has as intersections with our local set of goals, and certainly one of those are high wage jobs," said Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz in AMCREF's video highlighting RWDC. "Another one is a sustainable product," he added.

To watch AMCREF's video highlighting RWDC Industries' commitment to the environment and the people and communities it works with, click the video below.

RWDC Industries Named a 2021 APAC 25 Company by Cleantech Group

Tue, 18 May 2021 16:26:40 GMT

SINGAPORE, May 18, 2021 – RWDC Industries, a biotechnology company on a mission to replace single-use plastics through innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, today announced it has been named to the Cleantech Group’s 2021 APAC 25 list . Cleantech Group is a global leader in research, consulting and events that catalyze opportunities in sustainable innovation.

The APAC 25 is a list of private and independent companies in the Asia Pacific region dedicated to sustainability and evaluated by experts in the field as likely to make a significant impact in a five-to-ten-year time frame.

“RWDC Industries is committed to improving the lives and work of people around the planet. We built our business to tackle the plastics crisis with a high-quality, environmentally-friendly replacement material that can be widely adopted to make many of the items we use every day,” said Roland Wee, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of RWDC. “We’re thrilled to be recognized for the positive impact this technology can have over the next five years and well into the future.”

Cleantech Group put together the fourth annual list of 25 companies by combining detailed contributions from an APAC 25 expert panel with the APAC-related inputs from its annual Global Cleantech 100 process . The companies with the strongest patterns of agreement across all the input points were given the highest scores. Companies can only be on the APAC 25 list once.

“The Asia Pacific region is by far the largest emitter of CO2 today, given it is the motor of most of the heaviest industries of the world,” said Richard Youngman, CEO of Cleantech Group. “We all have a stake in solving that challenge and our 2021 APAC 25 companies provide a sampling of the range of emerging solutions required – from agtech to the future of mobility, from plastics to natural resources, from energy efficiency to clean energy abundance.”

Members of the APAC 25 expert panel provide between three and nine nominations, no more than a third of which can be portfolio companies (in the case of investors). Expert panelists can weight their nominations, and all nominations are blind (no expert sees the other panelists’ nominations). These nominations are then combined with the outcomes from the Global Cleantech 100 process, which benefits from thousands of data points, to determine those with the most validation points.

The complete list of APAC 25 expert panel members is available at https://i3connect.com/apac25/panelist .
The 2021 and all prior lists (2018-2020) can be seen here: https://i3connect.com/apac25/the-list .

About RWDC Technologies

Based in the U.S. and Singapore, and founded in 2015 by Mr. Roland Wee and Dr. Daniel Carraway, RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company on a mission to replace single-use plastics through innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions. RWDC is the developer of Solon™, a proprietary polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that is sustainably sourced, naturally occurring, and commercially viable. The biopolymer can be substituted for plastic in a wide range of everyday, single-use consumer goods. Solon™ is biovanescent – a term pioneered by RWDC to describe materials that completely break down to water and carbon, leaving no trace. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. www.rwdc-industries.com .

About Cleantech Group

Cleantech® Group provides research, consulting and events to catalyze opportunities for sustainable growth powered by innovation. At every stage from initial strategy to final deals, we bring corporate change makers, investors, governments and stakeholders from across the ecosystem the access and customized support they need to thrive in a more digitized, de-carbonized and resource-efficient future.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

RWDC Industries

Brunswick Group

rwdc@brunswickgroup.com

Cleantech Group

Laura Dolby

Laura.dolby@cleantech.com

RWDC Industries' CEO talks with Robert Downey Jr.

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:12:36 GMT

Robert Downey Jr. and the Managing Director of FootPrint Coalition talk with our Co-Founder and CEO, Dr. Daniel Carraway, about the problems with petroleum-derived plastic and how PHA can lead the way in a sustainable future.

Less than 10% of plastic has been recycled , Rachel Kropa, managing director of FootPrint Coalition, said during the podcast. And while the plastic industry touted recycling as the solution to the plastic crisis, it was only their way of justifying to consumers that they buy even more plastic, Kropa said.

While plastic will only break down into microplastics, which infect every corner of our planet, RWDC Industries' PHA will not.

"PHA is a material that is completely microplastic free," said Dr. Carraway. "Every living organism on the planet utilizes PHA in its normal metabolic cycles. And so it is the ideal choice to use for our food packaging, our foodservice [and] many of the articles that we make and use every day."

To hear the rest of Dr. Carraway's interview with Downey Jr., click the video below.

RWDC Industries receives award for economic developments in Georgia

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 14:16:22 GMT

RWDC Industries will be receiving the Deals of the Year Award from Georgia Bio at its annual Golden Helix Awards on April 1.

The award celebrates RWDC Industries' important economic developments in Georgia this past year, including a $260 million factory that will employ many in the Athens area .

"Winners are some of Georgia's hardest working innovators and entrepreneurs," Georgia Bio wrote in their Press Release for the event. RWDC Industries is one of those hard-working innovators.

"Companies will look forward to working with us because we sit down with them, review challenges and then roll up our sleeves to determine the best way to meet their goals," Blake Lindsey, Chief Commercial Officer of RWDC Industries, said.

"Demand for our environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastic, PHA , exceeds our capacity for 2021," Lindsey said. As demand continues to soar, so will RWDC Industries and its partners continue to grow.

"Demand leads to growth, which creates an opportunity for all of us to be a part of something that will be world-changing," Lindsey said.

—

Georgia Bio, founded in 1989, is the state's life science advocacy and business leadership industry association. Georgia Bio is the largest and most influential of its kind in Georgia. The Golden Helix Awards, hosted by Georgia Bio, brings together nearly 300 of the state's life sciences industry leaders.

Click here to learn more about Georgia Bio's virtual Golden Helix Awards.

Robert Downey Jr. announces FootPrint Coalition Ventures

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 14:28:41 GMT

Robert Downey Jr. announces FootPrint Coalition Ventures , which allows individuals to invest in the same sustainable and environmentally conscious companies in which Mr. Downey is investing.

Mr. Downey understands startups that are making a difference for our planet need more recognition and more capital. Now by visiting FootPrint Coalition Ventures' AngelList page , you have the opportunity "to participate in the venture economy," save the earth and partner with Mr. Downey in the process.

After spending the last 18 months talking to various experts on the environmental crisis, Mr. Downey said it is evident that our "global existential threat" will not be solved by "elite mega-corporations." Instead, Mr. Downey believes it will be startups that develop the sustainable technology essential to discovering solutions to the environmental crisis who solve it.

"Thus - FootPrint Coalition Ventures, a group of investors, technologists, and storytellers committed to scaling enviro-tech solutions," said Mr. Downey.

The funds invested into FootPrint Coalition Ventures will go toward Mr. Downey's FootPrint Coalition , which invests in startups that are restoring our planet, like RWDC Industries .

FootPrint Coalition is uniquely ready to lead the way in restoring our planet in three ways:

Working with an elite group of storytellers that create content around pertinent environmental issues and the startups working to solve those pressing issues.
Tapping into Mr. Downey's 100 million followers to spread awareness.
Harnessing that awareness to provide his audience with a way to invest in the companies Mr. Downey is putting his own money into. Together, this delivers "the recognition that a supportive audience brings" to a startup that will "inspire them to reach farther."

"I've been dealing with false existential threats in the Marvel universe and I thought it was time to think about the real ones."

—Robert Downey Jr.

FootPrint Coalition's announcement comes as President Biden signs executive orders putting climate and the environment back into the United States focus.

President Biden said climate change should be seen as "an essential element of U.S. foreign policy and national security."

With climate and environment a top priority of President Biden's plan of action, the United States' transition away from oil will only quicken, reported The New York Times . With less reliance on oil, the U.S. and many other countries will have to rely on renewable resources, like the products FootPrint Coalition's investments produce — one of them being Solon by RWDC Industries .

Covid-19 isn't the only thing spreading— plastics are too

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 13:30:49 GMT

We all have the responsibility to protect ourselves and our communities by following government regulations and wearing proper safety gear, like face masks and gloves. But, we also have the responsibility to properly dispose of our face masks, gloves, and other plastic disposables so that they do not end up harming the environment.

The amount of plastic waste that will be generated from the Covid-19 outbreak is enormous. According to the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), if only 1% of masks are improperly disposed of, 10 million masks will be circulated in the wild. That equates to over 80,000 pounds of plastic in nature!

Improperly disposed of masks, gloves, and other various plastics poses a massive threat to wildlife on land and the ocean. Animals consistently mistake plastics for food in the wild or get entangled in the plastic. If it isn’t bad enough that our sea creatures and land animals eat and become entangled by the plastic, it also makes its way back up to us in the food chain, specifically in the seafood we consume.

Environmentalist Amara Wichithong, who has been picking up trash off beaches in her native Thailand for over 20 years, said to Reuters ,” I worry that after the COVID-19, I would imagine that the sea will be filled with trash.” Sadly, she may be right; according to data from the Thailand Environment Institute , plastic waste has risen by 62% in volume during April in Thailand.

We all have a responsibility to one another to do our best to protect each other. Still, we also have a responsibility to our environment to protect the earth and keep the earth clean for future generations. The best way to respect our planet during this unprecedented outbreak is to safely and responsibly dispose of our current plastic safety equipment.

This outbreak only proves the need for more time and money to be put into companies like RWDC Industries, who are working on replacing our current plastics with bio-based polymers.

NASDAQ congratulates Vickers Venture Partners, RWDC on Series B funding

Fri, 22 May 2020 13:35:19 GMT

When your business is acknowledged by NASDAQ in New York’s Times Square for all the world to see, it’s a huge motivator to deliver on your promise to develop innovative and cost-effective biopolymer materials to combat the single-use plastics crisis facing our planet today.

Dr. Finian Tan, Founder and Chairman of global ventures capital firm Vickers Venture Partners — pictured above with RWDC Industries CEO Dr. Daniel Carraway (left) and Executive Chairman Roland Wee (right) — co-led the recently announced closing of a US$133 million two-stage Series B funding, along with Flint Hills Resources, CPV/CAP Pensonskasse Coop and International SA.

“Dr. Tan’s countless contributions and unbound enthusiasm while working with RWDC warrant NASDAQ’s praise,” said Mr. Wee. “We look forward to making him and all of our shareholders proud.”

生物科技创新公司RWDC完成1.33亿美元B轮融资

Wed, 06 May 2020 16:21:34 GMT

RWDC致力于用其生产的可自然降解的 PHA 材料解决全球一次性石油基塑料污染问题。本轮融资将加速其业务发展，满足市场对更环保健康、可自然降解材料日益增长的需求，以替代食品、消费品包装等石油基塑料制品。

新加坡，美国佐治亚州，2020年5月5日 - 总部位于新加坡的生物技术初创企业RWDC今天宣布完成1.33亿美元，分为两个阶段的B轮融资。RWDC致力于为全球一次性石油基塑料污染导致的环境危机提供解决方案。

目前，取代一次性石油基塑料的需求持续上升，以满足消费者选择更好材料的诉求。全球各国政府的监管要求也推动了新型材料发展。这些材料必须能确保食品安全，保护环境，并实现可持续的循环经济效应。

RWDC公司由首席执行官 Daniel Carraway 博士和执行主席阮明星先生共同创立，致力于研发具有成本优势的创新生物聚合物材料解决方案，包括PHA（聚羟基脂肪酸酯）。PHA是由天然微生物制造的聚合物，以植物油或糖为原料，通过发酵制成，被公认是目前世界上唯一可商业化、可自然降解的生物塑料。目前，RWDC的PHA产品由使用过的食用油制成，已通过TÜV AUSTRIA认证，证明其在土壤、淡水和海水等自然条件下可完全生物降解，并且不遗留任何有毒残留物。PHA将减少温室气体排放, 有助于缓解气候变化。由于不含干扰内分泌的化学物质和有害的微型塑料废物，PHA也将改善人类和生态系统的健康。2018年，RWDC凭着使用PHA尝试取代一次性塑料的方案，赢得了淡马锡基金会举办的首届“宜居国家创新挑战赛”（ Liveability Challenge ）。

RWDC公司首席执行官Daniel Carraway 博士表示：“我们很高兴能得到世界顶尖投资者的支持，他们与我们共同担起解决全球一次性塑料问题的紧迫使命。本轮投资将帮助我们显著提高生产能力，满足品牌商的需求。这些品牌商都希望通过提供对人类健康有正面影响的材料，来改善客户的生活品质，加强对环境的保护。”

RWDC公司执行主席阮明星先生表示：“RWDC自成立以来，我们一直站在全球视角看待塑料所带来的环境危机。为此，我们在美国和亚洲都有布局。我们期待在美国佐治亚州扩大这种创新材料的生产。目前，冠状病毒疫情带来了一场前所未有的危机。但我们也认识到，多年来由于塑料污染的不断加剧，人类已经面临着其对个人健康和地球环境的严峻威胁。我们必须立即着手解决这个问题，并提供能够大规模工业化生产的解决方案。这就是RWDC所能做的。”

本轮投资由 Vickers Venture Partners （全球风险投资公司）、 Flint Hills Resources （全球领先的能源和资源公司）、 CPV/CAP Pensionskasse Coop （瑞士最大零售公司的养老基金）和 International SA （一家与Interogo Holding AG相关的基金）联合领投。

其他参与的投资者包括现有投资者 Eversource 退休计划信托基金（财富500强企业Eversource 的养老基金），以及中经合集团 (全球知名跨境风险投资先驱)。

Vickers Venture Partners创始人兼董事长Finian Tan博士表示: “RWDC是我们看好和支持的公司的一个典范：致力于解决世界面临的大问题，并能创造正面的社会影响。我们相信RWDC能为解决全球塑料污染问题作出巨大的贡献，我们为能继续支持RWDC公司及其管理团队感到自豪.”

中经合集团董事长刘宇环先生表示：“我们非常高兴与 RWDC 这样有社会责任感的公司合作，共同面对解决塑料污染这一全球性问题的挑战。作为RWDC公司的早期投资人，我们很荣幸见证了其技术产品的一步步发展，如今其试验工厂里生产的 PHA 已经实现了高于预期的纯度及成品率，未来将投入到更广阔的市场中。“

RWDC将利用本轮融资的资金来扩大公司的生产能力，以满足市场对PHA不断增长的需求，包括在美国佐治亚州雅典市建立新工厂。 RWDC的使命是针对塑料污染问题创造一种可持续发展并环保的解决方案。遵循着该理念，公司正在改建并重新启用一家始建于1960年代末的闲置工厂，将闲置工厂改造为在雅典市的新生产设施。这将为美国佐治亚州东北地区带来超过200个新的工作岗位。RWDC也将利用本轮融资资金继续开展研发工作。

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关于 RWDC Industries

总部位于新加坡的RWDC Industries是一家生物科技公司，由阮明星先生和Daniel Carraway博士于2015年创立，致力于研发具有成本优势的创新生物聚合物材料解决方案，包括PHA（聚羟基脂肪酸酯）。PHA可完全生物降解，并且可作为石油基塑料的替代品，广泛应用在从吸管、杯子、盘子、盖子等各种日常一次性消费品中。 RWDC公司支持并倡导可持续发展，促进塑料替代方案推进，保护我们的环境和地球。

关于Vickers Venture Partners

Vickers Venture Partners是一家全球风险投资公司，致力于对全球技术趋势进行早期投资。投资赛道聚焦生命医药、人工智能、新能源、在线教育等多个领域，尤其深度关注以技术为导向的优秀初创企业。合伙人曾主导、参与的投资项目包括百度、分众传媒、空中网、剑桥房地产投资信托、尚凡资讯、Asian Food Channel、悠悠村、TWG Tea、RTG Asia、JJE、Hillstone、M-Daq、Tenfen、及Samumed。至今，合伙人协助扶持发展的公司总市值已超过500亿美元。截至2020年3月，Vickers最新目标5亿美元的VI号基金已获得了超过2亿美元的认购承诺，并开始从中进行投资。

Vickers Venture Partners由Finian Tan博士与联合创始人Khalil Binebine博士、 Dr. Jeffrey Chi博士、Damian Tan博士、Linda Li女士和Raymond Kong先生于2005年创立。总部位于新加坡，在上海、香港、纽约、圣地亚哥、旧金山，硅谷、伦敦设有办公室。更多信息参见： www.vickersventure.com

关于中经合集团

中经合集团成立于1993年，是最早进入亚太地区的全球范围跨境VC机构，专注于投资全球范围内科技前沿的创新性项目，积极推动科技进步以及科技成果的社会化应用，持续为社会创造价值。中经合目前在硅谷、北京、台北设有办公室。投资领域包括高科技（TMT）及医疗健康等产业，累计投资超过400家公司，创造超过100家上市及并购退出成功案例。成功投资案例包括Creative Labs、DivX、Vizio、SiRF、Commerce One等几十家在纳斯达克及世界各地资本市场上市的公司，以及国内熟知的包括创新工场、信威通信、分众传媒、世纪互联、个推（每日互动）、精硕科技、爱康国宾、理邦仪器、麦迪科技等企业。

中经合集团持续专注于企业智能、健康医疗、可持续发展三大投资方向。企业智能如数据智能、机器智能、工业制造、云、区块链技术等；健康医疗如精准医疗、生物科技、医疗器械、医疗服务等；可持续发展如塑料替代、节能等。中经合重视长期的伙伴关系，致力于推动创新、创造影响力以改善世界。

更多信息参见： https://wiharper.com/

关于 Flint Hills Resources

Flint Hills Resources是精炼、化工、生物燃料、配料行业的领导者，主要在美国中西部和得克萨斯州开展业务。它的制造能力是建立在六十年的炼油经验基础上，自2002年以来，该公司已通过资本投资、收购扩大了业务规模，投资规模超过150亿美元。该公司总部位于美国堪萨斯州威奇托，拥有3500多名员工，是Koch Industries全资子公司。更多信息参见： https://www.fhr.com/

关于 CPV/CAP Pensionskasse Coop

CPV/CAP Pension Fund Coop是Coop集团的养老基金，该集团是瑞士最大零售公司。该养老基金为50,000多人提供保险，管理着约100亿瑞士法郎的资产。

对于CPV / CAP，专业负责的持续投资不仅要考虑投资回报，在投资决策中还要高度重视环境与社会责任，及良好的公司治理。基于此，此养老基金选择性的投资与可再生能源领域，也会对寻求解决环境问题为投资方向的VC基金进行投资。

更多信息参见： https://www.cpvcap.ch/

关于International SA

International SA是总部位于卢森堡的另类投资基金，隶属于Interogo Holding AG。 International最初成立于1997年，如今已基于资源关系网络，在全球投资布局。更多信息参见： http://www.international.eu

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联系我们：

RWDC Industries – Press Inquiries

Caroline Beckmann

Trident DMG

+1-202-440-1783

cbeckmann@tridentdmg.com

RWDC Industries – Asia Press Inquiries

Andrew Wee

Vice-President, Asia Pacific

andrew@rwdc-industries.com

Vickers Venture Partners

Pranav Rastogi

REDHILL

pranav@redhill.asia

中经合集团

Cindy Chen

+86 18610416312

cindy.chen@wiharper.com.cn

RWDC Industries Raise US $133 Million In Series B Funding Round

Tue, 05 May 2020 16:17:32 GMT

Harnessing nature to battle the world’s single-use plastics problem, biotech company will accelerate plans to meet increasing demand for better materials to replace plastics for food service, food packaging, consumer goods packaging and other consumer items

ATHENS, GEORGIA and SINGAPORE (May 5, 2020) – RWDC Industries Limited, a Singapore-based biotech start-up providing a solution to the world’s single-use plastic crisis, announced today the closing of a US$133 million two-stage Series B funding round.

This announcement comes as the need to replace single-use plastic continues to rise to meet growing consumer demand for better materials choices. The increasing need for materials that enable greater food safety, better stewardship of the environment, and that enable a sustainable circular economy are also being driven by regulatory demands from state, local, and federal governments across the globe.

Co-founded by CEO Dr. Daniel Carraway and Executive Chairman Roland Wee, RWDC develops innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions – including, polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHAs. PHAs are naturally produced by microbial fermentation of plant-based oils or sugars and are recognized as the only commercially viable biodegradable bioplastic. Primarily produced today from used cooking oil, RWDC’s PHA is certified by TÜV AUSTRIA to be fully biodegradable in soil, water, and marine conditions – leaving no toxic residue. PHA will help to improve the climate, with less GHG emissions. It will also improve human health and the health of our ecosystems, with no endocrine disrupting chemicals and no harmful micro-plastic waste. In 2018, RWDC’s proposal to use PHA to start replacing single-use plastics won the inaugural Liveability Challenge , presented by Temasek Foundation .

“We are grateful and excited to have the support of world-class investors who share our urgent mission of solving the global challenge of single-use plastic,” said Carraway, who is based in Athens, GA. “This investment will help us significantly increase our production capacity so that we can meet needs of brand owners who want to improve the lives of their customers by offering materials that have a positive effect on human health, while improving environmental stewardship.”

“We have had a global view of the plastic crisis since our founding,” said Wee, who is based in Singapore. “Consistent with that, we’ve planted a flag in both Asia and the United States, and we look forward to expanding our manufacturing of this innovative solution in Georgia. Right now, the COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented crisis, but we also recognize that, for many years, we’ve been headed toward an existential threat to our individual health and our planet due to pervasive and mounting plastic pollution. It must be addressed immediately and with a solution at industrial scale. That’s what RWDC can do.”

The new investment was co-led by Vickers Venture Partners (a global venture capital firm); Flint Hills Resources (a leading energy and resources company); CPV/CAP Pensionskasse Coop (the pension fund of Switzerland’s largest retail company); and International SA (a fund linked to Interogo Holding AG).

Other participating investors include existing investors Eversource Retirement Plan Master Trust (the pension fund of Eversource Energy, a Fortune 500 company); and WI Harper Group (a pioneer of US-Asia cross-border VC investing).

“RWDC exemplifies the kind of company we support – passionate about problem solving and creating positive social impact. We believe RWDC has the potential to make an enormous difference in solving the global plastics problem, and we’re proud to continue supporting the company and its leadership,” said Dr. Finian Tan, Founder and Chairman of Vickers Venture Partners.

RWDC will use the funding to meet growing demand for PHA, including by expanding the company’s production capacity with a new facility in Athens, Georgia. Reflecting RWDC’s own mission of creating a sustainable, earth-friendly solution to plastics pollution, RWDC is repurposing an idled factory originally constructed in the late 1960s to use as its new production facility in Athens, which will bring 200 new jobs to the community in northeastern Georgia. RWDC will also use the new funds to conduct research and development efforts.

“RWDC Industries is a perfect example of Georgians’ creative approach to solving problems and finding great success, thanks in part to state resources like our public university system,” said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. “It’s great to see a Georgia company continue to find ways to make a difference and create innovative opportunities for hardworking Georgians.”

About RWDC Industries Limited

Based in Singapore and founded in 2015 by Mr. Roland Wee and Dr. Daniel Carraway, RWDC Industries Limited is a biotechnology company that develops innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). PHA is fully biodegradable and can be used as a substitute for plastic in a wide range of everyday, single-use consumer goods, from straws to utensils to cups and plates to lids. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet.

About Vickers Venture Partners

Vickers Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in the technological and geographical mega trends of the world. The firm’s portfolio covers life sciences, technology, media, and telecommunications as well as consumer and financial services. The partners’ track records include hits such as Baidu.com, Inc, Focus Media Holding Ltd, Kongzhong Corp, Cambridge Real Estate Investment Trust, Sunfun Info Co., Asian Food Channel (trade sale), UUCUN (trade sale), TWG Tea (trade sale), RTG Asia (trade sale), JJE (trade sale), Hillstone (trade sale, IPO), M-Daq (trade sale), Tenfen (trade sale), Kuyun (trade sale) and Mainspring (trade sale). The total market value of the companies that the partners have helped grow exceeds US$50 billion today. Vickers Venture Partners has announced that as of March 2020, they have received commitments of over US$200 million of their target of US$500 million for their latest fund VI and have started investing from it.

Vickers Venture Partners was founded by Dr. Finian Tan together with his co-founders Dr Khalil Binebine, Dr. Jeffrey Chi, Dr. Damian Tan, Ms. Linda Li and Mr. Raymond Kong in 2005. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong, New York, San Diego, Silicon Valley and London.

About Flint Hills Resources

Flint Hills Resources is an industry leader in refining, chemicals, and biofuels and ingredients, with operations primarily in the Midwest and Texas. Its manufacturing capability is built upon six decades of refining experience, and the company has expanded its operations through capital projects and acquisitions worth more than US$15 billion since 2002. Based in Wichita, Kansas, the company has more than 3,500 employees and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc.

About CPV/CAP Pensionskasse Coop

CPV/CAP Pension Fund Coop is the pension fund of the Coop Group, which is the largest retail company in Switzerland. The pension fund insures over 50,000 individuals and manages assets of around 10 billion Swiss francs.

For CPV/CAP, responsible and sustainable investment means not only considering economic factors, but also ranks highly environmental and social responsibility and good corporate governance in its investment decisions.

In this respect, the Pension Fund focuses on alternative investments in the field of renewable energies and venture capital, which seeks solutions to environmental problems and challenges.

About International SA

International SA is a Luxembourg-based alternative investment fund which is part of Interogo Holding AG. Originally established in 1997, International has today become a portfolio of global investments built on a strategy around relationship investing.

Contact:

RWDC Industries – Press Inquiries

Caroline Beckmann

Trident DMG

+1-202-440-1783

cbeckmann@tridentdmg.com

RWDC Industries – Asia Press Inquiries

Andrew Wee

Vice-President, Asia Pacific

andrew@rwdc-industries.com

Vickers Venture Partners

Pranav Rastogi

REDHILL

pranav@redhill.asia

New documentary film uncovers plastic industry’s big lie

Mon, 04 May 2020 13:37:24 GMT

Education is a critical ingredient for facilitating change. And from time to time, documentary films present information that transform long-standing beliefs.

“ Plastic Wars ” is one of those films.

Available on YouTube, the Frontline PBS and NPR news documentary is a must-watch film for consumers, politicians and industry experts because it sheds light on the truth about recycling: Despite consumers believing they are doing right by recycling, only 10% of plastics have ever been recycled.

The 53-minute, hard-hitting documentary takes an inside look at why and how the plastic industry created a narrative that would allow it to continue growing despite the negative impact its products were having on the environment.

Through interviews with individuals tasked with crafting the PR campaign, the documentary reveals how plastic makers for decades have publicly promoted recycling, despite privately expressing doubts that widespread plastic recycling would ever be economically viable.

The time for replacing petroleum-derived plastics is now, and RWDC will be leading the charge.

EASCA ‘Packaging Plastics in the Circular Economy’ report emphasizes need for change that PHA can deliver

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 13:39:05 GMT

After an 18-month study to review the negative impact of plastic packaging in Europe, the European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASCA) compiled and delivered a comprehensive report on the state of plastics and future policies that will be required to deter ongoing environmental impacts.

The report delivered in March — “Packaging Plastics in the Circular Economy” — highlighted a variety of issues facing Europe today. For RWDC Industries and our mission to replace petroleum-based plastics, these two areas from the report stand out:

Bio-based plastics

The term ‘bio’ does not equate to reduced environmental impact since alternative feedstocks to fossil fuels can be associated with high greenhouse gas emissions, competition with land for food, or driving land use change. To avoid misleading consumers, companies should quantify any environmental benefits claimed. While there are applications where bio-based plastics may be excellent, such evaluations should be based on life cycle assessments (LCAs) and not on simplistic assumptions or claims that ‘bio’ signifies lower environmental impact. Further improvement in the LCA methodology should be researched.

Biodegradability and compostability

Plastics with a degree of biodegradability have been developed but their potential is limited at present. The ideal target of a plastic that breaks down naturally in the environment remains elusive since most applications of plastics require durability, and it is a basic premise that a material which can degrade in the environment should not degrade during its shelf life. There are thus only a limited number of products that can meet biodegradation tests in the marine environment and even these maintain their integrity for months, during which time the risks of entanglement and ingestion remain. EASAC encourages further research to develop plastics that degrade more swiftly through natural processes, but faster and more reproducible rates of degradability are needed to offer a solution to the problem of often-littered SUPs. At the present state of technology, composting also offers most benefit when the plastic is contaminated by a substance that is also disposed of by composting: for example, compostable bags used in the closed loops of food waste recycle.

These two passages, quoted verbatim from the report, represent opportunities to work with EASAC’s Environment Programme to share the value and benefits PHA products will have on reducing the impact of plastics in the circular economy.

Bioseniatic℠ Laboratory Certification to provide clarity around the term “Biodegradable”

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 13:41:09 GMT

Is a product truly biodegradable, and how do you really know? Depending on who you ask, the answers may vary based on different interpretations and/or testing procedures.

Objectivity should drive testing so clarity reigns supreme when it comes to determining what is or isn’t a biodegradable material. And that’s exactly what the University of Georgia’s New Materials Institute is doing with its Bioseniatic℠ Laboratory .

The Bioseniatic℠ Laboratory, launched in early 2020, tests materials and/or products which possess the chemical and structural characteristics that afford a high chance of at least 90% conversion to biogases, water or non-toxic compounds in reasonable time frames in simulated managed or mismanaged environments. Per the New Materials Institute, only materials and products that meet the following criteria will be certified:

Naturally sourced or synthetically derived polymers with no additives or chemical modifications to their structure that prevent them from being biologically converted into a non-polymeric form of naturally occurring, non-toxic compounds at a rate congruous with natural analogues.

The goal of the lab is to help manufacturers and consumers identify a new generation of materials and products that are consumed by microbes once the product has been discarded into a proper receiving environment at the end of its useful life. If a material or product achieves Bioseniatic™ certification, it is considered biologically degradable and non-toxic, making it safe for animals, people and the planet.

RWDC Industries is proud to work with the New Materials Institute through the RWDC Environmental Stewardship Foundation . Instead of hiring in-house R&D resources, RWDC counts on the Foundation to find the “best of the best” in the scientific research field, and the very best is located at the University of Georgia, just down the road from our Athens headquarters.

RWDC looks forward to building a narrative that helps consumers better understand what materials are environmentally friendly, and the Bioseniatic℠ Laboratory will only help us create clarity for the masses.

RWDC Industries featured as ‘Startup to Watch’ in Unilever’s Southeast Asia Startup Landscape

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 14:42:49 GMT

Having access to mentors, collaborators, disrupters and pioneers is one way to accelerate acceptance and encourage awareness of emerging technologies. And RWDC Industries continues to explore new opportunities to drive innovation in the evolving field of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers.

Our participation with Unilever Foundry’s LEVEL3 program, a collaborative innovation platform working with pioneering startups to identify and accelerate partnership opportunities on a global scale, has already reaped rewards. In February, RWDC was named the ‘Startup to Watch’ in the Sustainable Growth Tech: Plastic Alternatives category for LEVEL3’s Southeast Asia Startup Landscape.

“Connecting with influencers, market disrupters and organizations that promote collaboration is vital to our business growth,” says Roland Wee, co-founder and executive chairman of RWDC. “Being named a ‘Startup to Watch’ helps us gain exposure and traction that elevates our brand. People are noticing, and that’s critically important.”

The LEVEL3 program leverages Unilever’s combined creativity and expertise to unleash disruptive innovation on a global scale. LEVEL3 was launched in partnership with Padang & Co at Unilever’s regional headquarters in Singapore. The 22,000 square-foot space brings together Unilever, startups and ecosystem partners to build partnerships that deliver business impact.

GO!PHA helps world understand possibilities with PHA-based products

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 14:45:14 GMT

The Global Organization for PHA, better known as GO!PHA , was founded in 2019 to facilitate worldwide awareness surrounding the value, benefits and possibilities provided by polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers (PHAs).

A principle goal of GO!PHA is to create a global communication platform through ongoing collaboration that will drive awareness, application and proliferation of PHA-based materials and products. Currently more than 40 companies develop at least 9 different PHA-product families and demonstrated performance in at least 20 market segments.

“While PHA technology isn’t necessarily new, industry acceptance and public awareness certainly is,” says Dr. Daniel Carraway, co-founder and chief executive officer of RWDC. “Collaborative efforts through initiatives like GO!PHA will only help accelerate the process, and that’s extremely beneficial to our efforts.”

RWDC Industries is a proud member of the GO!PHA community, working alongside global brands such as Proctor & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark and Phiip Morris International. We strongly believe unified collaboration and education will facilitate clear, concise and accurate information surrounding the benefits of PHA materials. Laying a solid foundation today will help accelerate awareness, expedite acceptance and stimulate consumer desire for PHA-based products in the near future.

This has always been our vision, and we’re excited to work with companies that share our desire to make the world a better place.

RWDC lands on “Hottest Startups” list in Singapore

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 13:46:59 GMT

The Singapore Business Review just released its annual “Hottest Startups” list for 2019 and the news is good for RWDC Industries:

We’re #2!

Since launching in 2015, RWDC has moved from concept — developed by co-founders Roland Wee and Dr. Daniel Carraway — to raising US$13 million in October 2018 and US$22 million in April 2019, for a combined total raise of US$35 million. Only online automotive marketplace Carro was ahead of RWDC after completing a series B raise of US$60 million in May 2018.

“Making the list is great for brand recognition,” says Mr. Wee, RWDC’s executive chairman, “but we still have a lot of work to do. We are determined to disrupt the market with Solon, our biodegradable polymer — the effort will be monumental, but we’re up for the challenge.”

RWDC’s Solon brand debuted at Ecosperity Week 2019 in Singapore in June. Solon is an ideal material for replacing petrol-derived, single-use plastic products, including cutlery, cups, bags, plates, and bowls.

“Solon is truly a revolutionary, sustainable material solution with hundreds of possible applications for everyday life,” says Dr. Carraway, RWDC’s chief executive officer. “The material provides a fourth ‘R’ — Replace — to the standard ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ mantra. We’re excited about the future, and landing on this list is an honor and a very important recognition.”

Solon is a type of PHA (or polyhydroxylalkanoate) — a biopolymer naturally produced and optimized by RWDC Industries to enable a global solution to today’s sing-use plastic waste management challenges.

Click here to read the full article on the Top 20 Hottest Startups selected by Singapore Business Review.

Solon – Revolutionary, Biodegradable and Commercially Viable Single-Use Plastic Alternative

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 16:12:42 GMT

Solon. The solution to single-use plastics.

RWDC Industries Ltd, the winner of The Liveability Challenge 2018, presented by Temasek Foundation, will launch its Solon brand at Ecosperity Week 2019 in Singapore in June.

This revolutionary, sustainable material solution has hundreds of possible applications for everyday life. Solon is an ideal material for replacing petrol-derived single-use plastic articles, including cutlery, cups, bags, plates, and bowls. Solon will be introduced in Singapore, as a drinking straw product first.

Solon drinking straws will be available at Ecosperity Week 2019 at the RDWC/Solon booth, next to the Bettr Barista coffee stand. The straws will also be available from a number of leading food and beverage partners in Singapore, who are supporting the launch.

Solon is a type of PHA (or polyhydroxylalkanoate) — a biopolymer naturally produced and optimised by RWDC Industries to enable a global solution to today’s plastic waste management challenge.

Since winning The Liveability Challenge 2018, RWDC has had an exciting year, which included not only some highly promising product trials in a number of applications with its clients and this exciting product launch, but also US$22 million of new funding in April and its first US-based institutional investor.

“We believe that it is our duty as stewards of the planet to use our talents, energy and time to leave a legacy of a sustainable future,” said Dr Daniel Carraway, RWDC’s Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.

“There are a number of ‘compostable’ single-use plastic alternatives on the market; however, these materials can only be composted in well managed, commercial composting facilities that are equipped to operate with precise control systems,” he added.

“We would like to congratulate RWDC for the successful launch of its first PHA product within a short span after winning The Liveability Challenge in 2018. Temasek Foundation champions liveability and sustainability, and hopes to reduce the damaging impact from plastic waste. We look forward to RWDC developing and commercialising many more Solon products. This will benefit end-users who will be able to make ecologically responsible choices, and collectively make a big difference to our living environment,” said Mr Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive of Temasek Foundation Ecosperity.

Governments around the world are beginning to legislate aggressively on plastic waste. RWDC supports the initiatives of ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ but notes these steps are not enough to alter the growth trajectory of plastic waste, risking serious consequences. RWDC believes a better solution is to ‘replace’ single-use plastics with the right material, PHA — an unmodified, naturally occurring polymer that offers many of the benefits, versatility and functionality of petroleum plastic materials, while enabling a safe outcome in all potential post-consumer end of life scenarios.

Solon is certified by European certification authority TÜV Austria to safely biodegrade in natural environments, leaving absolutely no harmful remains or by-products. It is made from sustainably produced, renewable feedstock, is incredibly versatile, and available at a commercially viable price.

RWDC Industries Raises US$22 Million In Series A3 Round

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 15:41:55 GMT

RWDC Industries Ltd, a Singapore-based biotech start-up, today announced that it has raised US$22 million in an oversubscribed Series A3 round, led by Vickers Venture Partners and Eversource Retirement Plan Master Trust (the pension fund of Eversource

Energy, a Fortune 500 company) — RWDC’s first US-based institutional investor. Participants in the round include previous investors WI Harper Group, and other investors.

The funding is a follow-up to the US$13 million that RWDC raised during its Series A2 round just six months ago. In this period, RWDC has expanded its PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) production capacity in Athens, Georgia (United States), initiated development programs on new applications such as nonwoven fabrics, and successfully completed trials with its clients on PHA straws and coated paper.

“Since our A2 round a few months ago, we have made huge strides operationally, and with our customers,” said RWDC Executive Chairman Mr Roland Wee. “This would not have been possible without the support and trust afforded to us by Vickers Venture Partners and WI Harper Group. We are working towards realizing our vision of a greener world for generations to come.”

Governments around the world are beginning to legislate more aggressively on plastic waste, with the EU leading the way with a new directive on single-use plastic articles. However, current responses focused on ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ are inadequate to alter the growth trajectory of plastic waste, risking serious consequences. RWDC believes a better solution is to replace single-use plastics with the right material, PHA — an unmodified, naturally-occuring polymer that offers many of the benefits,

versatility and functionality of modern petroleum plastic materials, while being naturally biodegradable.

Founded and headquartered in Singapore, RWDC develops innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions — particularly medium-chain-length Polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA). PHAs are naturally produced by bacterial fermentation of plant-based oils or sugar, and, due to its versatility in application, are widely recognized as the world’s only commercially-viable biodegradable biopolymer. The company’s PHA is certified to be fully-biodegradable in soil, water and marine conditions (namely,

all potential end-of-life scenarios) by certification agency TÜV Austria (formerly Vinçotte). It fully biodegrades within weeks with no toxic residue. RWDC’s customers will be able to label their products as 100 percent bio-based, non-toxic and truly biodegradable.

“When we participated in RWDC’s A2 round not too long ago, we were drawn in by the passion and vision of Roland, Daniel and his team to solve one of the greatest environmental problems facing us today — that of plastic pollution and the accompanying severe effects to so many animal species, including us humans,” said Dr Finian Tan, Chairman of Vickers Venture Partners. “Six months later, RWDC is successfully expanding its production capacities and rolling out commercial products. We are so happy to see that it is now closer to achieving its vision of eventually ridding the world of unsustainable plastic products hopefully forever.”

Mr Peter Liu, Chairman of WI Harper Group, noted that: “The world finally recognizes the urgent need to build a green and sustainable future. Plastic waste pollution in our oceans is a real threat to societies and global growth. RWDC’s biopolymer materials are fully biodegradable, durable and functional. Our goal is to replace single-use plastic and create meaningful impact. We are very proud to partner with RWDC’s team, creating awareness to replace plastic use, while also raising the

standard for the smart cities of future generations.”

Funds raised in this round will primarily be used to accelerate the Company’s plan to significantly increase PHA production capacity in Georgia, USA, as well as to support its R&D efforts into prioritized applications. The company expects its first commercial batch of PHA straws to be available in the market in 2019. The PHA resin formulated by RWDC for these straws is designed as a drop-in replacement of Polypropylene that can be used on existing extrusion machines.

In 2018, RWDC won the first Liveability Challenge, presented by Temasek Foundation Ecosperity, based on a proposal to use PHA to start replacing single-use plastics.

About RWDC Industries:

Founded in 2015 by Mr Roland Wee and Dr Daniel Carraway, RWDC Industries Pte Ltd, a biotechnology company, develops innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions. In particular, RWDC produces medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) biopolymers that are designed for use across a broad range of applications.

PHAs are linear polyesters naturally produced by bacterial fermentation of plant-based oils or sugar and are widely recognized as the only commercially viable biodegradable bioplastic. RWDC’s PHA is certified to be fully biodegradable in soil, water and marine conditions (i.e. all potential end-of-life scenarios) by TÜV Austria (formerly Vincotte), fully biodegrading within weeks with no toxic residue. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management including recycling so as to best protect our environment.

rwdc-industries.com

About WI Harper Group:

WI Harper is a pioneer and leading cross-border venture capital firm investing in early and expansion stage companies across Greater China, Asia Pacific and the US. With offices in Beijing, Taipei, and San Francisco, the firm actively oversees more than $1 billion in assets under management. Since inception nearly three decades ago, WI Harper has invested in over 400 startups and has successfully experienced more than 100 IPO and M&A exits.

We look for innovative companies and visionary founders in healthcare and technology fields where there are high synergies and meaningful value added cross selling opportunities. While our healthcare team is presently focused on bioinformatics as well as digital biology, our technology team has a more generalist approach covering big data, analytics, artificial intelligence, AR/VR, IoT, robotics, drones, autonomous driving, as well as digital media and green energy projects.

wiharper.com

About Vickers Venture Partners:

M-Daq (trade sale), Tenfen (trade sale), Kuyun (trade sale) and Mainspring (trade sale). The total market value of the companies that the partners have helped grow exceeds US$90 billion today. Vickers Venture Partners announced in October 2017 that they have raised US $230 million to invest in startups across the world, with a particular focus on Deep Tech across the globe and impact investments in emerging markets.

Vickers Venture Partners was founded by Finian Tan, Khalil Binebine, Jeffrey Chi, Damian Tan, and Linda Li in 2005. It is based in Singapore with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Hong Kong, New York, San Diego with an office opening in San Francisco in 2018.

vickersventure.com

For media queries or interviews:

RWDC Industries

Andrew Wee

andrew@rwdc-industries.com

REDHILL (Vickers Venture Partners PR Agency)

Pranav Rastogi

pranav@redhill.asia

WI Harper Group:

Nami Tsogt

nami@wiharper.com.cn

生物科技创新公司RWDC Industries 完成A3轮融资，总投资额为2,200万美元

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 15:37:19 GMT

资金将用于加速公司PHA产能扩张计划并支持相应的研发工作

新加坡，2019年4月23日 – 总部位于新加坡的创新公司RWDC Industries Ltd今天宣布成功完成A3轮融资。本轮融资超额完成，总投资额为2,200万美元。由已经参与之前融资的风投公司伟高达创投（Vickers Venture Partners）和新加入的美国能源公用事业公司Eversource退休主信托基金（Eversource Retirement Plan Master Trust）领投。后者是世界500强企业Eversource Energy的养老基金管理机构，也是 RWDC 首个来自美国的机构投资者。参与本轮融资的还包括已经加入的中经合集团（WI Harper Group）以及其他新加入的投资机构。

这轮融资是继六个月前完成的1,300万美元A2轮融资的后续资金募集。在此期间，RWDC扩大了公司在美国佐治亚州雅典市的聚羟基脂肪酸酯（PHA）生产基地的产能，启动了PHA在无纺布等新领域的应用开发，并成功配合客户完成了对PHA在吸管和淋膜纸领域应用的各种性能测试，取得了客户的一致好评！

RWDC公司的执行主席阮明星先生说：“自月前我们公司完成A2轮融资至今，我们在生产运行和与客户拓展方面都取得了显著进展。如果没有伟高达创投和中经合集团给予公司的支持和信任，这是不可能实现的。我们正努力实现我们对未来世代绿色世界的愿景。”

全球各国政府近年来开始更积极地对塑料垃圾采取更严格的立法，其中欧盟是在一次性塑料垃圾处理立法方面的领导者。然而，目前大部分的对策仍然集中在三个 "R” -- 减少（Reduce）、重复使用（Reuse）和再循环（Recycle）。这些应对措施不足以改变塑料垃圾污染的增长趋势及其所造成严重后果。RWDC认为更有效的解决方案在于使用替代产品，暨用合适的材料替代使用一次性塑料。PHA作为一种自然存在的、无需更改物性的天然聚合物，具有与石油基塑料相似的性状和优点，但不同的是，PHA可以在自然环境里完全生物降解，不会遗留有毒害残留物。

RWDC 成立于新加坡，并设立总部于此，致力于研发和提供创新性并且具有成本经济效益的生物聚合物材料解决方案。该公司目前的主要产品为中长链的聚羟基脂肪酸酯（mcl-PHA）。PHA 是由天然微生物产生的聚合物，以植物油或糖为原料，通过发酵制成。由于PHA适用于广泛的应用领域，因此普遍被认为是世界上唯一可大规模商业化生产的可自然降解的生物塑料。RWDC的PHA获得了权威机构奥地利TÜV（原Vinçotte）的认证，确认其在土壤、淡水和海水自然条件下，在数周内可完全生物降解，并不会遗留任何有毒害残留物。RWDC的客户将可以把他们的产品标记为100% 生物基、无毒和可生物降解。

伟高达创投主席陈诚锦博士说：“我们在不久前参与RWDC的A2轮融资时，被公司创始人和团队为解决当前一大环境问题的热忱和梦想所吸引住。这个环境问题就是塑料对世界的污染和其对动物类及人类造成的严重危害。六个月后，RWDC正顺利地扩建该公司的生产产能，并且推出商业产品。我们为RWDC更进一步接近他们的梦想 -- 永远解决世界上不可持续的塑料制品的使用 -- 而感到高兴。”

中经合集团董事长刘宇环先生指出：“世界终于意识到必须建立一个绿色且可持续未来的迫切性。我们海洋里的塑料污染对社会和全球增长是个严重的威胁。RWDC的生物聚合物完全可生物降解、耐用并具有实用性。我们的目标是替代一次性塑料，创造有意义的影响。我们为能够和RWDC团队合作而感到骄傲，我们将携手共同增强世界对替代塑料使用的意识，并提高下一代智能城市的标准。”

这轮融资所筹得的资金将主要用于加速该公司在美国佐治亚州的生产产能，并支持公司在几种优先应用领域的研发活动。该公司预期第一批商业化PHA吸管将在2019年内在市场上销售。这些吸管所使用的PHA 合成树脂（resin）可直接使用在目前使用聚丙烯PP（Polypropylene）的挤压机上。

在2018年，RWDC公司凭借使用PHA取代一次性塑料的商业计划赢得了淡马锡基金会（Temasek Foundation Ecosperity）创立的首届宜居国家创新挑战赛（Liveability Challenge）的桂冠。

-结束-

关于 RWDC Industries:

RWDC Industries Ltd是一家生物科技公司，由阮明星先生和Daniel Carraway博士于2015年创立，致力于研发和提供创新性的且具有成本效益的生物聚合物材料解决方案。该公司特别以生产中长链的聚羟基脂肪酸酯（mcl-PHA）为主，适用于广泛的应用领域。

PHA是通过加入植物油或糖使细菌发酵而自然产生的线性聚酯，并且被普遍被认为是世界上唯一商业上可行的可自然降解的生物塑料。RWDC的PHA经过TÜV奥地利（原Vinçotte）认证，可在土壤，水和海洋条件（即所有潜在的报废场景）下，在几周内完全生物降解，并且没有遗留任何有毒残留物。RWDC支持可持续发展的社会实践活动，并鼓励在塑料垃圾处理的公共政策选择中采取负责任的态度，包括尽可能的回收利用，以便最好地保护我们的环境。

https://rwdc-industries.com

About WI Harper Group:

https://wiharper.com

About Vickers Venture Partners:

Vickers Venture Partners is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in Asia and beyond. The firm’s portfolio covers life sciences, technology, media, and telecommunications as well as consumer and financial services. Some of its partners have track records that include hits such as Baidu.com, Inc (NASDAQ: BIDU), Focus Media Holding Ltd (NASDAQ: FMCN), Kongzhong Corp (NASDAQ: KONG), Cambridge Real Estate Investment Trust (SGX: CREIT), Sunfun Info Co. (Gretai: 5278) Asian Food Channel (trade sale), UUCUN (trade sale), TWG Tea (trade sale), RTG Asia (trade sale), JJE (trade sale), Hillstone (trade sale), M-Daq (trade sale), Tenfen (trade sale), Kuyun (trade sale) and Mainspring (trade sale). The total market value of the companies that the partners have helped grow exceeds US$90 billion today. Vickers Venture Partners announced in October 2017 that they have raised US $230 million to invest in startups across the world, with a particular focus on Deep Tech across the globe and impact investments in emerging markets.

http://vickersventure.com

RWDC Industries Closes US$13 Million Series A2 Led by Vickers Venture and WI Harper to Produce Plastic Alternative

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:35:24 GMT

Singapore-headquartered biotech start-up RWDC Industries Pte Ltd announced today that it has successfully closed a US$13 million Series A2 round co-led by venture capital firms Vickers Venture Partners and WI Harper Group. Finance firm Ridgevale Enterprises Limited and individual investors also participated in the round.

Vickers Chairman and founding partner Dr Finian Tan, along with WI Harper Chairman Mr Peter Liu, have joined RWDC’s board of directors. RWDC Executive Chairman Mr Roland Wee said: “I am heartened by the trust that WI Harper, Vickers Venture Partners, Ridgevale Enterprises Limited and all our other investors have shown in us. We are a highly capable, passionate, and experienced team of scientists, engineers, financiers and marketers. This team is determined and confident in realizing our vision of helping make this planet a greener place for future generations.”

Series A2 funds will primarily be used to expand RWDC’s PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) production capacity in Athens, Georgia (USA), to 2,000 tonnes per year, making it among the world’s largest PHA producers by early 2019.

RWDC develops innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions. In particular, the company produces medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA). PHAs are naturally produced by bacterial fermentation of plant-based oils or sugar, and are widely recognized as the world ‘only commercially viable biodegradable bioplastic due to its versatility. (1)

RWDC’s PHA is certified to be fully biodegradable in soil, water and marine conditions (i.e. all potential end-of-life scenarios) by certification agency TÜV Austria (formerly Vincotte). It fully biodegrades within weeks with no toxic residue.

RWDC’s customers will be able to label their products as 100% bio-based, non-toxic and truly biodegradable. “Over the last few months, we have received strong support from our investors, as well as tremendous interest from potential customers, including major packaging manufacturers and F&B brand owners”, Mr Wee said. “We are extremely excited and focused on the expansion of our PHA facility in the US, as this marks our first step towards producing PHA at commercially affordable prices for the global market. We have concrete plans to scale up very quickly from here.”

RWDC Chief Executive Officer Dr Daniel Carraway said: “This facility will be a training ground for our staff, provide material for customer trials, and serve as a demonstration of our capabilities. At the same time, we have ambitious plans for the future. We look forward to providing the world with a truly biodegradable, 100% renewable, and highly versatile material.”

"PHA will be a major component in sustainable packaging materials of the future, and RWDC offers a comprehensive technical and material resource for brand owners and converters in the food service, food packaging, and consumer goods packaging industries."

Dr Finian Tan said: “Every year, the world produces several hundred metric tonnes of plastic, mostly destined for single-use products that persist in the environment after disposal and creates a huge plastic pollution problem that the world is increasingly acutely aware of”.

“While it is unrealistic to curb the massive demand for plastic — especially in emerging markets where consumption is on a constant rise — we can still power innovators such as RWDC to develop a commercially attractive solution to a longstanding socio-ecological problem.”

Chairman of WI Harper Group, Mr Peter Liu commented: “From microplastics in the arctic sea ice to once-pristine beaches in Thailand and Philippines being shut down, not only is plastic pollution at a negative tipping point but the world needs solutions and education on this topic. We are extremely excited to partner with RWDC and their dynamic management team. PHA produced at their pilot facility has already shown purity and yield above expectations.”

Mr Liu further added, “Recycling is still the preferred choice among governments worldwide, as current biodegradable solutions may produce waste that has little value. There are many lobbyists for recycling in government, but not for biodegradability. We look forward to bringing positive change and social impact in sustainability for the future generations to come.”

In July, RWDC won the inaugural Liveability Challenge, presented by Temasek Foundation Ecosperity, securing S$980,000 in funding for its proposal to make fully biodegradable drinking straws made of PHA. The company is working towards developing drinking straw prototypes by the end of the year and will produce straws in commercial quantities by mid-2019.

About RWDC Industries:

rwdc-industries.com

About WI Harper Group:

wiharper.com

About Vickers Venture Partners:

Vickers Venture Partners is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in Asia and beyond. The firm’s portfolio covers life sciences, technology, media, and telecommunications as well as consumer and financial services. Some of its partners have track records that include hits such as Baidu.com, Inc (NASDAQ: BIDU), Focus Media Holding Ltd (NASDAQ: FMCN), Kongzhong Corp (NASDAQ: KONG), Cambridge Real Estate Investment Trust (SGX: CREIT), Sunfun Info Co. (Gretai: 5278) Asian Food Channel (trade sale), UUCUN (trade sale), TWG Tea (trade sale), RTG Asia (trade sale), JJE (trade sale), Hillstone (trade sale), M-Daq (trade sale), Tenfen (trade sale), Kuyun (trade sale) and Mainspring (trade sale). The total market value of the companies that the partners have helped grow exceeds US$90 billion today. Vickers Venture Partners announced in October 2017 that they have raised US $230 million to invest in startups acrossthe world, with a particular focus on Deep Tech acrossthe globe and impact investments in emerging markets.

vickersventure.com

For media queries or interviews:

RWDC Industries

Andrew Wee

andrew@rwdc-industries.com

REDHILL (Vickers Venture Partners PR Agency)

Malini Thakker

malini@redhill.asia

WI Harper Group:

Nami Tsogt

nami@wiharper.com.cn

(1) RWDC’s PHA is suitable for a broad range of applications, including single-use food service articles (e.g. cutlery, drinking straws and cup lids), paper coatings (e.g. cups, bowls, plates and takeout containers), food and beverage packaging, consumer goods packaging, diapers, wipes and agricultural mulch films.

Micro pieces of plastic are doing more damage than meets the eye

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 13:50:04 GMT

Negligence is not a justifiable defense for reckless and profit-driven decisions when it comes to a decades-long reliance on petroleum-derived plastics.

Pictures speak volumes. And new and disturbing studies point to the devastating effects plastics have on our planet.

One such report — Ingested Micronizing Plastic Particle Compositions and Size Distributions within Stranded Post-Hatchling Sea Turtles — was released in August 2018 detailing plastic’s impact on loggerhead turtles along the South Florida coastline. The study was conducted by the University of Georgia (UGA) and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMA), and was funded in part by the RWDC Environmental Stewardship Foundation , which has partnered with the University of Georgia’s New Materials Institute to research and develop bio-based , fully biodegradable plastics.

“The partnership between our foundation and UGA is vital in so many ways,” says Dr. Daniel Carraway, CEO of RWDC, Industries, LLC, and (title) of the RWDC Environmental Stewardship Foundation. “It illustrates a need for truly biodegradable polymers to replace petroleum-derived plastics immediately. Working with UGA in both environmental studies and the development of products that will change the world is important and rewarding work.”

Companies have long claimed their plastics are biodegradable, but are they really? Even if a plastic degrades to a micro size, does that mean it is biodegradable?

Absolutely not, as the UGA and LMA study clearly indicates.

According to the report, plastic is the most common form of marine debris. Globally, at least 690 marine species, including sea turtles, seabirds, seals, sea lions, whales, fish and invertebrates, have reportedly become ill or died following entanglement in or ingestion of marine plastics.

And the ingestion of micro-sized plastic particles is killing marine life.

During the study, 96 post-hatchling sea turtles were collected after washing back onto Florida beaches between Vero Beach and Lake Worth. Nearly half of the recovered turtles were rehabilitated by LMC and released back into the ocean. During their time in rehabilitation, all turtles passed some amount of plastic. The remaining turtles died, and 27 of were examined for the study, with 93 percent having some amount of ingested plastic particles in their systems, leading the team to surmise that “many died due to blockages or nutritional deficiencies associated with plastic ingestion.”

“This is unacceptable in today’s modern world,” says Dr. Carraway. “We need to care more about the environment in which we live, and we must commit to replacing traditional plastics with bio-based, biodegradable polymers that have no impact whatsoever on creatures we share the planet with. RWDC is committed to transformational environmental change. Now. It’s time.”

The importance of RWDC Industries obtaining multiple biodegradable certifications

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:51:58 GMT

If you say your product is truly biodegradable, it’s best to have credentials to back up the claim.

Which is why RWDC Industries, LLC, submitted its polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer product for analysis. Not just in one or two, or even three categories, but a total of six.

“We wanted to establish credibility right out of the gate,” says Roland Wee, Executive Chairman of RWDC Industries. “We see this as a cost of doing business, and every company that says their polymer is biodegradable should have the same certification, too.”

In early 2017, RWDC submitted test samples to internationally recognized testing and analysis company Organic Waste Systems in Belgium and later that year received certification from TÜV Austria (formerly Vincotte) in six categories:

Biodegradable-Marine
Biodegradable-Water
Biodegradable-Soil
Compost-Home
Compost-Industrial
Biobased

Pass/fail is based on the time it takes for the material to completely biodegrade, and RWDC materials passed well before the allotted time in a few categories.

“This is significant,” says Dr. Daniel Carraway, CEO of RWDC Industries. “A product that passes earlier in the cycle will likely pass with a greater thickness, which is important to the packaging industry. We are committed to R&D efforts that will position our PHA product — Solon — at the top of the list in demand and value.”

And what happens if the competition tops RWDC’s best efforts?

“If they receive certification with a thicker product, we’ll submit an even thicker product for approval,” says Dr. Carraway with conviction. “Our commitment to the packaging industry and global ecology is boundless.”

Eliminating petroleum-derived plastic dependency requires access to scientific excellence

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 14:01:44 GMT

RWDC-UGA Collaboration (From left): Dr. Branson Ritchie (University of Georgia), Dr. Daniel Carraway (RWDC Industries), Dr. Jason Locklin (University of Georgia)

In the blockbuster movie “Jaws,” Roy Scheider’s character, Chief Brody, comes face to face with the titular great white and declares: “We’re going to need a bigger boat.”

The basic message? We need help!

RWDC Industries realized long before it “headed out to sea” that it needed help in developing a biopolymer that one day could replace petroleum-derived plastics. To achieve their rapid to-market goals, RWDC created the RWDC Environmental Stewardship Foundation in 2017 to promote and advance scientific innovation while ensuring stewardship of human health and environmental resources.

“Our goal is to constantly focus on a better way,” says Dr. Daniel Carraway, CEO of RWDC Industries, manufacturer of Solon, a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer. “That takes money, time and superior research efforts—and, perhaps most importantly, it’s a never-ending process.”

Instead of hiring in-house R&D resources, RWDC counts on the foundation to find the “best of the best” in the scientific research field. Grants are awarded to research institutions, non-profit organizations and private/public corporations to develop biodegradable and recyclable materials and technologies that can be used in consumer goods to reduce the current burden placed on our environment due to non-biodegradable “disposable” materials.

“Fortunately for us, one of the very best research institutions is right here in our backyard,” says Dr. Carraway, referring to the University of Georgia, the oldest public institution in the United States. “They have a massive knowledge base that we don’t need to replicate in-house. We’re simply leveraging institutions like UGA that already have extensive resources in place.”

The relationship with UGA is critically important because it allows the institution to build a foundation in bio-processing educational programs, which will serve the industry for generations to come.

“This way, RWDC stays nimble and aggressive as a manufacturer while turning to the best scientific minds in the world to guide our R&D efforts,” says Dr. Carraway. “It’s a win-win for the institution and for us.”

RWDC Industries looks forward to the ongoing efforts of the RWDC Environmental Stewardship Foundation to attract research institutions from around the globe to assist in eliminating the world’s dependency on petroleum-derived single-use plastics .

z-rwdc-industries

A Major Step Forward in the Fight Against Microplastics

This is a subtitle for your new post

Real Cost of Plastic Is Far Beyond the Price Tag

A Broader Way to Account for Plastic’s Impact

When Plastic Pollution Becomes Personal

The Case for Replacing Microplastics at the Source Has Never Been Clearer

Another Day, Another Disturbing Report

RWDC: Built to Change the Game

Time for Action

Groundbreaking Research Links Microplastics to Increased Heart Disease Risk

Path Forward

Commitment to Change

Lummus Reinforces Commitment to Biopolymer PHA Commercialization with New Investment in RWDC Industries

Strategic investment accelerates development of the first commercial-scale PHA facility, driving global adoption of eco-friendly plastics to mitigate environmental and health concerns

PHA is the Future of Sustainable Packaging

Lummus and RWDC Announce Agreement to Accelerate and Scale PHA Production

Next phase of partnership will increase global availability and adoption of natural alternative to petroleum-based plastics

Alfa Laval and RWDC announce joint development agreement to advance circular economy solutions

Combined expertise will accelerate scale-up of sustainable materials production to reduce global reliance on single-use, petroleum-based plastics

RWDC participates in United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution

Trinseo and RWDC Industries Announce PHA Dispersion Partnership

Lummus and RWDC Industries Sign MoU Accelerating PHA Production at Scale

Combined innovation, experience and strengths of Lummus and RWDC offers real solutions for the circular economy

Is plastic recycling broken?

New research indicates microplastics found in human bloodstream

RWDC INDUSTRIES RAISES US$95.1 MILLION IN SERIES B2 FUNDING

Injection of funds will help the sustainable materials developer scale up in the US and start production in Singapore to speed adoption of its biodegradable biopolymer material for consumer packaged goods

Kimberly-Clark Partners with Biotech Innovator RWDC to Design Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Plastics

New video highlights RWDC's pledge to the earth and its team members

RWDC Industries Named a 2021 APAC 25 Company by Cleantech Group

RWDC Industries' CEO talks with Robert Downey Jr.

RWDC Industries receives award for economic developments in Georgia

Robert Downey Jr. announces FootPrint Coalition Ventures

Covid-19 isn't the only thing spreading— plastics are too

NASDAQ congratulates Vickers Venture Partners, RWDC on Series B funding

生物科技创新公司RWDC完成1.33亿美元B轮融资

RWDC致力于用其生产的可自然降解的 PHA 材料解决全球一次性石油基塑料污染问题。本轮融资将加速其业务发展，满足市场对更环保健康、可自然降解材料日益增长的需求，以替代食品、消费品包装等石油基塑料制品。

RWDC Industries Raise US $133 Million In Series B Funding Round

Harnessing nature to battle the world’s single-use plastics problem, biotech company will accelerate plans to meet increasing demand for better materials to replace plastics for food service, food packaging, consumer goods packaging and other consumer items

New documentary film uncovers plastic industry’s big lie

EASCA ‘Packaging Plastics in the Circular Economy’ report emphasizes need for change that PHA can deliver

Bioseniatic℠ Laboratory Certification to provide clarity around the term “Biodegradable”

RWDC Industries featured as ‘Startup to Watch’ in Unilever’s Southeast Asia Startup Landscape

GO!PHA helps world understand possibilities with PHA-based products

RWDC lands on “Hottest Startups” list in Singapore

Solon – Revolutionary, Biodegradable and Commercially Viable Single-Use Plastic Alternative

RWDC Industries Raises US$22 Million In Series A3 Round

生物科技创新公司RWDC Industries 完成A3轮融资， 总投资额为2,200万美元

资金将用于加速公司PHA产能扩张计划并支持相应的研发工作

RWDC Industries Closes US$13 Million Series A2 Led by Vickers Venture and WI Harper to Produce Plastic Alternative

Micro pieces of plastic are doing more damage than meets the eye

The importance of RWDC Industries obtaining multiple biodegradable certifications

Eliminating petroleum-derived plastic dependency requires access to scientific excellence

生物科技创新公司RWDC Industries 完成A3轮融资，总投资额为2,200万美元