UK-based polymers firm Synthomer has announced that it has been awarded two grants through Ohio’s Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub: one direct R&D grant and one indirect grant administered by the Polymer Industry Cluster.
The Polymer Industry Cluster will invest US$8 million 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.
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.
Plastvance 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.”