John van Leeuwen
CEO
EcoSynthetix Inc.

Established in 1996 to develop bio-based performance materials, breakthrough technology has enabled EcoSynthetix to successfully introduce the world's first waterborne biopolymer latex, trademarked as Biolatex® for coated paper applications.

This revolutionary starch-based biopolymer is manufactured using a new technology patented by EcoSynthetix. Biolatex polymers have product performance characteristics that are equal to or better than those achieved by the petroleum based synthetic latex formulations used in the coated paper and other industries. Agri-economics provides EcoSynthetix with the advantages of a low cost producer. As a result, it is decoupled from the volatility of crude oil market compared to the petroleum based manufacture of carboxylated styrene butadiene and styrene acrylate latex. As a producer of a renewably sourced corn-starch based product, EcoSynthetix has a significantly smaller environmental footprint than styrene butadiene latex – the production of 1 kg of styrene butadiene latex emits almost four times more CO2 than the CO2 emitted in the production of 1 kg of Biolatex binder.

In early 2008, Ecosynthetix received its first commercial order from the largest Brazilian coat paper manufacturer. An order for Biolatex binders by one of Japan's largest coated paper manufacturers quickly followed in late 2008. In 2009, the company expanded its sales and marketing to many of the US and Canadian mills. In 2010, EcoSynthetix also opened its new head office and Centre of Innovation in Burlington, Ontario to support its ongoing technology research and product development needs. This facility has a state-of-the-art pilot production line and three new research labs. It will generate numerous new jobs in Ontario and will allow the company to further build its lead in bioeconomy with this novel class of biomaterials.

Breakthrough technology and a strong management team have enabled a successful launch of Eco-Synthetix into the 15 billion pound global emulsion polymers market (with numerous segments, including paper and paperboard, paints, adhesives and construction materials). Based on sales orders from the coated paper industry and a highly visible sales growth pipeline, EcoSynthetix is forecasting a strong growth for their EcoSphere® Biolatex product in the coming years. EcoSynthetix also plans to introduce additional emulsion biopolymers in the personal care industry, the building products market and the adhesives industry under its EcoSphere® product lineup.