Paques Biomaterials starts construction of PHA extraction pilot
- Vicoma handed over the Basic Engineering Package to Paques Biomaterials, enabling construction to start.
- Eekels Technology will execute construction of the extraction pilot at GETEC.PARK EMMEN.
- The pilot will produce batch quantities of Caleyda PHA for customer testing and follows a test plant run of over two years in the PHA2USE project at HVC in Dordrecht.
- Paques holds an option on a 3‑hectare site at GETEC.PARK EMMEN and plans a full‑scale 6‑kiloton extraction plant as the next step.
Handover and start of construction
Paques Biomaterials received the Basic Engineering Package for its PHA extraction pilot from Vicoma, allowing construction to proceed. The construction will be executed by Eekels Technology at the GETEC site in Emmen; representatives from Paques, Eekels and Vicoma marked the handover at the site.
Pilot purpose and background
The pilot will extract PHA from PHA‑rich wastewater biomass to produce batch quantities of Caleyda®, enabling customers to test the biopolymer in their applications. Paques has been developing the PHA value chain for over ten years and has run a test plant for more than two years in the PHA2USE project at HVC in Dordrecht.
Design approach and partners
The three parties began with a Memorandum of Understanding to align on basic design. Vicoma says it translated Paques’ unique process into common technical solutions to increase pilot flexibility and ease later modifications, resulting in a basic engineering package for a functioning demo plant.
Site choice and scale‑up plan
GETEC.PARK EMMEN was chosen for its industrial class, facilities and proximity to circular‑economy knowledge partners and biopolymer experts such as Senbis Polymer Innovations. Paques has an option on a 3‑hectare site there and sees the pilot as the final step before a planned 6‑kiloton extraction plant.
Source: paquesbiomaterials.nl