Stahl joins GO!PHA alliance to advance the use of naturally occurring PHAs in formulated coatings

Waalwijk, the Netherlands, 2nd May 2024 – Stahl, a leading provider of speciality coatings and treatments for flexible substrates, has joined the Global Organization for PHA (GO!PHA), a non-profit platform that advocates and advances the use of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a naturally occurring polymer that offers a lower-impact, bio-based alternative to traditional fossil-based plastic feedstocks.  

GO!PHA is a coalition of over 60 stakeholders ranging from producers and formulators to users as well as universities and research institutes. The members, all early adopters of PHAs, work together to increase understanding of this relatively new PHA technology and advance the science behind these renewable, compostable and biodegradable materials. As a member of the network, Stahl will have the opportunity to join forces with the wider PHA value chain to help move PHAs beyond the testing phase and accelerate the potential application of the technology in the coatings market.  

Paolo Bavaj (Chief Innovation and Development Officer at Stahl): 'We see significant potential in PHAs, and we look forward to collaborating with like-minded stakeholders through the GO!PHA alliance to bring this important technology to life. We are currently testing potential PHA-based applications across our entire portfolio; by pioneering and embracing new, sustainable technologies, we are truly living our purpose, Touching lives, for a better world.’ 

Anindya Mukherjee (Executive Board Member at GO!PHA): “We warmly welcome Stahl as a new member to GO!PHA. Stahl's expertise in speciality coatings and treatments for flexible substrates will undoubtedly enrich our coalition's efforts to promote the use of PHAs, fostering innovation and sustainability within the coatings industry. Together, we look forward to advancing the adoption of PHAs and other renewable, compostable, and biodegradable materials!” 

What are PHAs? 

PHAs are polymers produced in nature, mainly as a result of bacterial fermentation. They can be sourced from organic waste streams, biogas, sugars and fat-rich, plant-based feedstock. The chemical composition of PHAs can be adjusted to a soft and elastic form, making them ideal for flexible substrates.  

PHAs are a bio-based alternative to fossil-based 'persistent plastics', offering reduced carbon emissions and no harm to people or the planet through contamination or additives. They are also circular by nature, as they can be reused, recycled or composted: taking as little as days to break down compared to centuries for fossil-based plastics.