- Paques Biomaterials, with partner Looop, will run a pilot at GETEC Park Emmen to produce PHA from dairy industry by-products.
- The pilot will produce PHA-rich biomass and extract PHA polymers, adding a third validated organic sidestream after sewage sludge and paper process water.
- Facility is expected to be operational in Q1 2026 and will inform engineering for a planned full-scale PHA plant on the south side of Emmen.
Project summary
Paques Biomaterials is establishing a pilot facility at GETEC Park in Emmen to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from dairy industry by‑products in collaboration with Looop.
Feedstock and process validation
The dairy by‑product stream will be the third organic sidestream validated for PHA production following prior work on sewage sludge from water boards and process water from the paper industry.
Pilot scope and site
The pilot will operate inside a GETEC hall and comprises both production of PHA‑rich biomass and extraction of PHA polymers; GETEC is providing space and utilities for the installation.
Timeline and scale‑up
The facility is expected to be operational in Q1 2026 and will be used to produce material for application development and to inform engineering for a planned full‑scale PHA plant on the south side of Emmen.
