生物科技创新公司RWDC Industries 完成A3轮融资, 总投资额为2,200万美元

April 23, 2019

资金将用于加速公司PHA产能扩张计划并支持相应的研发工作 

新加坡,2019年4月23日 – 总部位于新加坡的创新公司RWDC Industries Ltd今天宣布成功完成A3轮融资。本轮融资超额完成,总投资额为2,200万美元。由已经参与之前融资的风投公司伟高达创投(Vickers Venture Partners)和新加入的美国能源公用事业公司Eversource退休主信托基金(Eversource Retirement Plan Master Trust)领投。后者是世界500强企业Eversource Energy的养老基金管理机构,也是 RWDC 首个来自美国的机构投资者。参与本轮融资的还包括已经加入的中经合集团(WI Harper Group)以及其他新加入的投资机构。 


这轮融资是继六个月前完成的1,300万美元A2轮融资的后续资金募集。在此期间,RWDC扩大了公司在美国佐治亚州雅典市的聚羟基脂肪酸酯(PHA)生产基地的产能,启动了PHA在无纺布等新领域的应用开发,并成功配合客户完成了对PHA在吸管和淋膜纸领域应用的各种性能测试,取得了客户的一致好评! 


RWDC公司的执行主席阮明星先生说:“自月前我们公司完成A2轮融资至今,我们在生产运行和与客户拓展方面都取得了显著进展。如果没有伟高达创投和中经合集团给予公司的支持和信任,这是不可能实现的。我们正努力实现我们对未来世代绿色世界的愿景。” 


全球各国政府近年来开始更积极地对塑料垃圾采取更严格的立法,其中欧盟是在一次性塑料垃圾处理立法方面的领导者。然而,目前大部分的对策仍然集中在三个 "R” -- 减少(Reduce)、重复使用(Reuse)和再循环(Recycle)。 这些应对措施不足以改变塑料垃圾污染的增长趋势及其所造成严重后果。RWDC认为更有效的解决方案在于使用替代产品,暨用合适的材料替代使用一次性塑料。PHA作为一种自然存在的、无需更改物性的天然聚合物,具有与石油基塑料相似的性状和优点,但不同的是,PHA可以在自然环境里完全生物降解,不会遗留有毒害残留物。 


RWDC 成立于新加坡,并设立总部于此,致力于研发和提供创新性并且具有成本经济效益的生物聚合物材料解决方案。该公司目前的主要产品为中长链的聚羟基脂肪酸酯 (mcl-PHA)。PHA 是由天然微生物产生的聚合物,以植物油或糖为原料,通过发酵制成。由于PHA适用于广泛的应用领域,因此普遍被认为是世界上唯一可大规模商业化生产的可自然降解的生物塑料。RWDC的PHA获得了权威机构奥地利TÜV(原Vinçotte)的认证,确认其在土壤、淡水和海水自然条件下,在数周内可完全生物降解,并不会遗留任何有毒害残留物。RWDC的客户将可以把他们的产品标记为100% 生物基、无毒和可生物降解。 


伟高达创投主席陈诚锦博士说:“我们在不久前参与RWDC的A2轮融资时,被公司创始人和团队为解决当前一大环境问题的热忱和梦想所吸引住。这个环境问题就是塑料对世界的污染和其对动物类及人类造成的严重危害。六个月后,RWDC正顺利地扩建该公司的生产产能,并且推出商业产品。我们为RWDC更进一步接近他们的梦想 -- 永远解决世界上不可持续的塑料制品的使用 -- 而感到高兴。” 


中经合集团董事长刘宇环先生指出:“世界终于意识到必须建立一个绿色且可持续未来的迫切性。我们海洋里的塑料污染对社会和全球增长是个严重的威胁。RWDC的生物聚合物完全可生物降解、耐用并具有实用性。我们的目标是替代一次性塑料,创造有意义的影响。我们为能够和RWDC团队合作而感到骄傲,我们将携手共同增强世界对替代塑料使用的意识,并提高下一代智能城市的标准。” 


这轮融资所筹得的资金将主要用于加速该公司在美国佐治亚州的生产产能,并支持公司在几种优先应用领域的研发活动。该公司预期第一批商业化PHA吸管将在2019年内在市场上销售。这些吸管所使用的PHA 合成树脂(resin)可直接使用在目前使用聚丙烯PP(Polypropylene)的挤压机上。 


在2018年,RWDC公司凭借使用PHA取代一次性塑料的商业计划赢得了淡马锡基金会(Temasek Foundation Ecosperity)创立的首届宜居国家创新挑战赛 (Liveability Challenge)的桂冠。 

 

-结束- 

 

关于 RWDC Industries: 


RWDC Industries Ltd是一家生物科技公司,由阮明星先生和Daniel Carraway博士于2015年创立,致力于研发和提供创新性的且具有成本效益的生物聚合物材料解决方案。该公司特别以生产中长链的聚羟基脂肪酸酯(mcl-PHA)为主,适用于广泛的应用领域。 


PHA是通过加入植物油或糖使细菌发酵而自然产生的线性聚酯,并且被普遍被认为是世界上唯一商业上可行的可自然降解的生物塑料。RWDC的PHA经过TÜV奥地利(原Vinçotte)认证,可在土壤,水和海洋条件(即所有潜在的报废场景)下,在几周内完全生物降解,并且没有遗留任何有毒残留物。RWDC支持可持续发展的社会实践活动,并鼓励在塑料垃圾处理的公共政策选择中采取负责任的态度,包括尽可能的回收利用,以便最好地保护我们的环境。 


https://rwdc-industries.com 

 

About WI Harper Group: 


WI Harper is a pioneer and leading cross-border venture capital firm investing in early and expansion stage companies across Greater China, Asia Pacific and the US. With offices in Beijing, Taipei, and San Francisco, the firm actively oversees more than $1 billion in assets under management. Since inception nearly three decades ago, WI Harper has invested in over 400 startups and has successfully experienced more than 100 IPO and M&A exits. 


We look for innovative companies and visionary founders in healthcare and technology fields where there are high synergies and meaningful value added cross selling opportunities. While our healthcare team is presently focused on bioinformatics as well as digital biology, our technology team has a more generalist approach covering big data, analytics, artificial intelligence, AR/VR, IoT, robotics, drones, autonomous driving, as well as digital media and green energy projects. 


https://wiharper.com

 

About Vickers Venture Partners: 


Vickers Venture Partners is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in Asia and beyond. The firm’s portfolio covers life sciences, technology, media, and telecommunications as well as consumer and financial services. Some of its partners have track records that include hits such as Baidu.com, Inc (NASDAQ: BIDU), Focus Media Holding Ltd (NASDAQ: FMCN), Kongzhong Corp (NASDAQ: KONG), Cambridge Real Estate Investment Trust (SGX: CREIT), Sunfun Info Co. (Gretai: 5278) Asian Food Channel (trade sale), UUCUN (trade sale), TWG Tea (trade sale), RTG Asia (trade sale), JJE (trade sale), Hillstone (trade sale), M-Daq (trade sale), Tenfen (trade sale), Kuyun (trade sale) and Mainspring (trade sale). The total market value of the companies that the partners have helped grow exceeds US$90 billion today. Vickers Venture Partners announced in October 2017 that they have raised US $230 million to invest in startups across the world, with a particular focus on Deep Tech across the globe and impact investments in emerging markets. 


Vickers Venture Partners was founded by Finian Tan, Khalil Binebine, Jeffrey Chi, Damian Tan, and Linda Li in 2005. It is based in Singapore with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Hong Kong, New York, San Diego and San Francisco. 


http://vickersventure.com


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Strategic investment accelerates development of the first commercial-scale PHA facility, driving global adoption of eco-friendly plastics to mitigate environmental and health concerns
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Dr. Daniel Carraway, Co-Founder and CEO of RWDC Industries, recently participated in the "How is Environmental Sustainability Transforming Packaging Today and in the Future?" panel at the Future of Packaging Conference. The panel discussion focused on the urgent need to address the global microplastics problem and the role of sustainable packaging solutions in mitigating the environmental impact of plastic pollution. During the panel, Dr. Carraway emphasized that while recycling is an important aspect of managing plastic waste, it alone is not sufficient to solve the crisis. In fact, recent studies have shown that recycling processes can contribute to the generation of microplastics, which can then enter the environment and pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems. Dr. Carraway highlighted the potential of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) as a game-changing solution for replacing petroleum-based plastics. PHA is a 100% natural, biodegradable polymer that can be used to create a wide range of packaging products, from rigid containers to flexible films. Unlike traditional plastics, PHA can biodegrade in various environments, including soil, water, and marine settings, without leaving behind harmful residues. The panel also discussed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including global brand owners, legislatures, and single-use plastic manufacturers, to accelerate the adoption of sustainable packaging materials like PHA. Dr. Carraway emphasized that by working together, we can drive the transition away from conventional plastics and create a more sustainable future for packaging. RWDC Industries is at the forefront of this transition, developing a large-scale PHA production facility and partnering with global brands to develop eco-friendly packaging solutions. With the increasing awareness of the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution, the demand for sustainable alternatives like PHA is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is crucial to recognize that recycling alone is not the answer. By embracing innovative materials like PHA and working collaboratively to drive change, we can significantly reduce the global microplastics problem and create a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.
September 5, 2023
Next phase of partnership will increase global availability and adoption of natural alternative to petroleum-based plastics
July 18, 2023
Combined expertise will accelerate scale-up of sustainable materials production to reduce global reliance on single-use, petroleum-based plastics
June 9, 2023
Members of RWDC Industries were invited by the United States delegation to attend the second session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (UN-INC2) last month in Paris. Over 1500 delegates were granted access to the general sessions, while more than 3000 additional attendees were on hand to meet with delegates. During a stakeholder session, RWDC Chief Commercial Officer Blake Lindsey presented to the US delegation and Larke Williams, the Lead Plastic Pollution Negotiator at U.S. Department of State, a general overview on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and its benefits. “Attending these events allows us to help create awareness about the value of PHA,” said Lindsey. “RWDC is playing a major role in supporting industry efforts to clarify what PHA is and what it isn’t.” In addition to attending the stakeholder session, RWDC also met with representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States Department of Energy (DOE), and members of the White House staff. RWDC is assisting PHA industry leaders like fellow UN-INC2 attendees Dr. Bryan Haynes, of Kimberly-Clark, and Anindya Mukherjee, co-founder of GO!PHA, to help educate and raise awareness about the benefits of PHA so global government officials understand the impact it can have as a replacement for single-use, petroleum-based plastics. “It is important for global policymakers to understand the differences between petroleum-based plastics and biobased alternatives, why replacing is more important than recycling, and why biobased alternatives should not be left off acceptable materials lists supported by government agencies,” said Lindsey. In addition to attending important industry event, RWDC also has joined INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, following an invitation from Kimberly-Clark, meeting with INDA officials during UN-INC2 to further enhance industry exposure. RWDC also has been invited to join The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty as a result of discussions at UN-INC2. The Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty brings together businesses and financial institutions committed to supporting the development of an ambitious, effective, and legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. The coalition is convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WWF, in collaboration with aligned businesses and supported by strategic NGO partners. Representatives of this NGO attended the UN-INC2, including government relations representatives for Walmart, PepsiCo, and Coca Cola. We will continue to forge these important relationships until governments, policymakers, lobbyists, global brand owners, and consumers see PHA as THE solution to the global plastic crisis.
May 8, 2023
WAYNE, Pa., and ATHENS, Ga., — Trinseo (NYSE: TSE) and RWDC Industries LLC announced today a partnership to further the development of sustainably advantaged paper and board packaging solutions by bringing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) dispersion technology to target markets. This exclusive agreement builds on the partners’ ongoing efforts to optimize PHA dispersions for paper and paperboard barrier coating applications. Rising regulatory and consumer pressure is driving demand for sustainable replacements for non-recyclable packaging materials and chemistries, such as extruded polyethylene laminates and fiber processing with fluorochemicals. Trinseo and RWDC aim to meet this need using PHA dispersion technology to create water-based barrier coatings that are recyclable in traditional paper processes, organically recyclable via composting, and biodegradable in soil and marine environments. “We are constantly striving to refine our product portfolio to deliver innovative, customer-centric products that solve material challenges with tailored, sustainable solutions,” said Andre Hugentobler, Global New Business Development and Technology & Innovation Director, Latex Binders, Trinseo. “Our partnership with RWDC is a perfect example of a combined approach that allows both partners to focus on what they do best and jointly deliver technical solutions that will benefit our customers and the markets they serve.” “Our new partnership with Trinseo is a critical step in our journey to bring Solon™ PHA forward as an innovative material solution for an application that has high-performance requirements while being environmentally safe,” said Blake Lindsey, Chief Commercial Officer for RWDC Industries. “This is an exciting time for RWDC, and we are pleased to be working alongside global leaders like Trinseo to bring both best- and first-in-class materials to the marketplace.” This partnership recognizes the strength both companies bring in providing cutting-edge materials, technical solutions, and development capabilities to answer immediate calls for chemistry that supports sustainable packaging solutions. Together, Trinseo and RWDC Industries will combat the challenges the world faces with single-use, non-recyclable packaging waste and fluorochemical treatments used in barrier coatings. About Trinseo Trinseo (NYSE: TSE), a specialty material solutions provider, partners with companies to bring ideas to life in an imaginative, smart and sustainably focused manner by combining its premier expertise, forward-looking innovations and best-in-class materials to unlock value for companies and consumers. From design to manufacturing, Trinseo taps into decades of experience in diverse material solutions to address customers’ unique challenges in a wide range of industries, including building and construction, consumer goods, medical and mobility. Trinseo’s approximately 3,400 employees bring endless creativity to reimagining the possibilities with clients all over the world from the company’s locations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Trinseo reported net sales of approximately $5.0 billion in 2022. Discover more by visiting www.trinseo.com and connecting with Trinseo on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook and WeChat. About RWDC Industries RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that utilizes natural processes to produce materials for use in our daily lives. RWDC develops innovative, cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including SolonTM PHA, a fully biodegradable and environmentally safe material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications from single use articles to consumer goods or food packaging to non-wovens and textiles. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet. Its global headquarters is in Singapore, and its operational headquarters is in Athens, Georgia. For more information on RWDC, visit www.rwdc-industries.com Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, projections, forecasts, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are not statements of historical facts or guarantees or assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words like "expect," "anticipate," “believe,” "intend," "forecast," "outlook," "will," "may," "might," "see," "tend," "assume," "potential," "likely," "target," "plan," "contemplate," "seek," "attempt," "should," "could," "would" or expressions of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s evaluation of information currently available and are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Factors that might cause future results to differ from those expressed by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully execute our business and transformation strategy; increased costs or disruption in the supply of raw materials; increased energy costs; our ability to successfully generate cost savings and increase profitability through asset restructuring initiatives; compliance with laws and regulations impacting our business; conditions in the global economy and capital markets; and those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part I, Item 1A —"Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our other reports, filings and furnishings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. As a result of these or other factors, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. Press Contacts: Trinseo: Bregje van den Braak bvandenbraak@trinseo.com RWDC Industries: S. Blake Lindsey +1 706 363 3040 x103 +1 678 372 3510 (cell) blindsey@rwdc-industries.com
April 12, 2023
Combined innovation, experience and strengths of Lummus and RWDC offers real solutions for the circular economy
June 13, 2022
Across the globe, many people and businesses do their best to recycle. We all want to keep our earth clean, and trash out of our streets and ecosystems, and recycling is a good way to do that — right? While not for lack of good intentions by many, recycling does not work as sufficiently as one might think. The world has generated seven billion tonnes of plastic waste, but less than 10 percent has been recycled . The 90 percent of plastic that is not recycled should go to a landfill, but often it makes its way into our environment, particularly our waters, where it can persist for hundreds of years. According to a report from the University of Georgia and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually. This flow of plastic into our oceans is not expected to slow down either. A report from researchers at the PEW Charitable Trust found that plastic entering the oceans will triple by 2040 if we continue business as usual. Plastic is not just a sore sight; plastic waste also endangers wildlife. According to a fact sheet sponsored by the United Nations , "plastic waste kills up to 1 million sea birds, 100,000 sea mammals, marine turtles and countless fish." In addition, plastic in the ocean micronizes and accumulates in the fish we eat. The fish we eat then become one of many sources of microplastic ingestion by humans , where it can then potentially accumulate in our blood . The obvious answer to plastics' threat to our ecosystems, wildlife and potentially our health is to use bio-based materials like RWDC’s Solon™ PHA , a biovanescent material. This means Solon is entirely marine biodegradable and does not break down into microplastics. The novel material is also a 'drop in replacement' to existing plastic manufacturing processes and is cost-effective. Solon is safe for all life — plants, animals and humans alike. While Solon is the future, presently, individuals and companies must be educated on how and what they recycle. While most types of plastics cannot be recycled effectively, some can. Those materials that can be recycled are Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). In the United States, individuals can easily find what plastic an item is by looking for the resin identification code, which is a number from 1 to 7 enclosed in chasing arrows. In the U.S., the number 1 is PET, and the number 2 is HDPE. Any other number circled in chasing arrows should be thrown in the trash. It is important to remember that the chasing arrows on your plastic item indicate what type of plastic it is, not that it is recyclable! RWDC's partner Temasek has made a useful infographic that will help you remember which everyday items are recyclable. It also notes that recyclables should always be cleaned before throwing them in the bin! And for those living in Singapore, Temasek has included other important information on the status of recycling in Singapore and where individuals can recycle.
By Jon Sumple March 25, 2022
After years of speculation surrounding the potential health impact of microplastics on humans, the verdict is in: Scientists from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam have documented the presence of microplastics in human blood for the very first time. The pioneering research discovered the following plastics in bloodstream samples: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – commonly used to produce plastic water bottles Polystyrene (PS) – widely used for food packaging and food service plastic articles like cutlery Polyethylene (PE) – most often used as a plastic liner in paper coffee cups and carrier bags “It’s really not a surprise, is it? If plastics have been proven to be present in animal organs and bloodstreams for years, it was just a matter of time,” says RWDC CEO Dr. Daniel Carraway. “It’s similar to society’s awareness surrounding smoking cigarettes and the tobacco-related health concerns in the 50s and 60s. We had a pretty good idea it wasn’t good for us, but it took verifiable studies to get us to wake up and understand the severity of the problem.” RWDC Industries’ mission is to replace petroleum-based plastics with a renewable, sustainable, and natural alternative: Solon™ PHA, a biovanescent material that safely and completely biodegrades after its useful life. It is a material that has no human health and safety concerns. For producers of a wide range of articles, including food packaging, food service articles as well as non-woven fibers for products such as face masks, Solon is designed to be a drop-in replacement for existing petroleum-based plastic manufacturing processes. Now is the time for policymakers, manufacturers, packaging designers, influencers, and the public at large to take action. We welcome your inquiries as we seek to support the efforts of all organizations that are prepared to make a difference. Please contact S. Blake Lindsey, Chief Commercial Officer of RWDC Industries at blindsey@rwdc-industries.com to learn how RWDC might support your efforts to meet the environmental, and human health and safety commitments of your constituents, partners, and customers.
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Injection of funds will help the sustainable materials developer scale up in the US and start production in Singapore to speed adoption of its biodegradable biopolymer material for consumer packaged goods
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