Kymene® G3-X Wet-Strength Resin: Enzymatic Treatment during Microbial Dehalogenation

Polyaminopolyamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins, typified by Kymene® 557H wet-strength resin, are the predominant commercial products used to manufacture wet-strength paper. Changes in the manufacturing process decreased the level of epichlorohydrin (epi) by-products in PAE resins, typified by Kymene® 557LX. Post-treatment technologies further reduced the level of epi by-products. European regulatory agencies have recently introduced requirements that reduce the allowable level of 3-chloropropanediol (CPD) in food contact paper. A Subtilisin enzyme (Alcalase 2.5L type DX from Novozymes) treatment was combined with a microbial treatment to remove epi by-products to provide a product, Kymene® G3-X wet-strength resin, that allows the papermaker to meet all regulatory requirements.