Synthomer is proud to announce that it has been awarded two grants through Ohio’s Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub—one direct research and development grant and one indirect grant administered by the Polymer Industry Cluster. These organisations play a key role in helping companies advance bold ideas from concept to commercialisation, accelerating innovation that delivers both economic value and environmental benefit across the polymer sector.
The Polymer Industry Cluster will invest $8m (£6m) across key projects in the Ohio region over the next four years. These grants represent the first of several funding rounds, with future rounds expected in mid-2026 and early 2027.
PLASTVANCETM has been awarded a direct grant to advance adoption by supporting new applications and key technical performance validation.
In parallel, the indirect grant supports Synthomer's work with the University of Akron, which focuses on identifying new ways to turn carbon dioxide (CO2) into high-value polymers, such as butadiene. This work expands the range of sustainable materials available to the industry.
In addition to these grants, Synthomer is also linked to two other projects that were selected in this funding round. These projects will be led by BioVerde and Promerus, two of Synthomer's value chain partners, and focus on the development of sustainable, next-generation materials.
Bonnie Yu, Marketing Director Adhesive Solutions - Plastics, comments: “Our collaboration with the University of Akron demonstrates how partnerships can accelerate innovation across the polymer industry. By working together, we can develop more recyclable packaging solutions while strengthening Ohio’s innovation ecosystem and supporting long-term, sustainable growth.”
Raymond Somich, Global Director of Government Affairs, comments: “Being associated with four of the seven projects selected in this funding round underscores our leadership in collaborative innovation and our commitment to sustainability across the value chain, reflecting the shared effort needed to deliver transformative, real‑world solutions."
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About Synthomer plc
Synthomer plc is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets for customers who serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our five innovation centres of excellence and 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia.
Our purpose is creating innovative and sustainable solutions for the benefit of customers and society. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products. At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, China, Germany, Malaysia and USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Our 2030 decarbonization targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative as being in line with what the latest climate science says is necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, and since 2021 we have held the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognizes green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy. Find us at www.synthomer.com or search for Synthomer on LinkedIn.
About PLASTVANCETM
PLASTVANCETM is our key additive technology that enables thinner, lighter, and fully recyclable mono-material packaging.
About the Polymer Industry Cluster
The Polymer Industry Cluster is a consortium of public and private partners dedicated to advancing polymer innovation and driving economic growth in the region.
About the Greater Akron Innovation Hub
The Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub is a flagship initiative developed and managed by the Polymer Industry Cluster to accelerate innovation, collaboration, and industry advancement.