Solenis, Wilmington, Del., USA, a global producer of specialty chemicals, has received patents in both the U.S. and Europe for its Biobond technology, an innovative program that improves sustainability and productivity for manufacturers of recycled paperboard.

A European patent, EP 2609250, issued on Aug. 17, 2016, for starch preservation and retention, while a second U.S. patent, US 9388533, for starch preservation and dry strength optimization was awarded earlier in July 2016. The first U.S. patent, US 8758562, was issued in 2014, covering starch preservation and retention.

The Biobond program uses exclusive Solenis biocide and cationic polymer chemistries to increase yield, improve strength, and eliminate the operational issues caused by degraded starch at the source. Additionally, the Biobond program reduces freshwater/starch consumption and chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels in the effluent discharge, improving paper sustainability. 

Solenis’ Biobond technology allows the high amounts of starch present in wastepaper furnish to be recovered and recycled along with the fiber. This has always been a sizeable problem and continues to be a concern for the paperboard industry.

For example, within the global paper industry, approximately 8 million tons of starch is lost each year as wastepaper is converted to new paper. The Biobond program helps ensure that the majority of starch is preserved, recycled, and reused as a raw material. In addition to improved environmental performance, Biobond enables paperboard manufacturers to run at higher capacities to maximize their paper production.

"We are pleased that Solenis received these patents, which help reinforce the significance of the Biobond program," said Ricardo De Genova, marketing VP, pulp and paper. "Ever since the inception of Biobond, many of our paperboard manufacturing customers have realized improved environmental and productivity benefits and are better equipped to recycle their fiber, filler, and starch for more efficient operations."