Hydropol™ is a high-performance polymer enabling the end of waste

The Science

Aquapak’s patent-protected polymer technology is based on thermally processible polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH, PVA). The highly versatile Hydropol family of products is produced in pellet form to enable all downstream conversion processing methods to be used.

Hydropol has many useful material properties:

  • Tailored solubility
  • Exceptional barrier properties against solvents, grease, oils, fats, waxes, oxygen, CO2 and Nitrogen
  • High tensile strength and puncture resistance
  • Heat Sealable
  • Electrostatic Resistant
  • Naturally resistant to ambient UV
  • Printable without pre-treatment
  • Stable & Storable
  • Recyclable & Biodegradable
  • Environmentally safe

Hydropol™ can be processed into a single layer or co-ex film, a laminate or extrusion coating, a barrier layer, or made into fibers and nonwovens. Hydropol is compatible with other biopolymers to form completely new biomaterials with exceptional functionality and multi-end of life options. The thermal stability and properties of Hydropol™ enable its use in other polymer processes such as injection molding, blow molding and thermoforming.

Research & Development Roadmap

Recognized leader with a track record of delivering new solutions and chemistries based on extensive research

  • Commercially driven co-development efforts with customers are a key pillar of Aquapak’s R&D strategy
  • Aquapak has leading capabilities across all phases of the development process
  • The team works very closely with operations and key machinery/material manufacturers to ensure formulations are viable to scale and proactively respond to customer needs and specifications
  • Also collaborates with sales team to commercialize the product
Management of Ideas

  • Invested significant capital develop strong PVOH understanding
  • Internal R&D team considers potential opportunities
  • Collect customer insight
Product Conception

  • Begin proof of concept testing
  • Utilize all internal research and testing capabilities
  • Source additional insight through research partners
Product Development

  • Conduct product tests and create prototypes
  • Customer validation
Product and Process Development

  • Implement customer-specific design
  • Collaborate and organize production scale & process development
  • Align & evaluate production capacity
Commercial Trials

  • Conduct customer trials
  • Establish distribution partners
Market Launch

  • Initiate market launch
  • Iterate in response to feedback

Hydropol™ Uses

Hydropol™ is an innovative, water soluble, biodegradable polymer that can create a range of packaging products, designed to eliminate plastic pollution at source. Hydropol unlocks potential into multiple end markets and thereby creates a technology growth platform for further expansion. Hydropol formulation technology enhances the quality and function of the end products.