As part of ESA’s ongoing commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability across the sealing industry, we are proud to highlight an exciting new step forward in eco-innovation — the development of biodegradable spacers for spiral wound gaskets (SWGs).
Why replace plastic spacers?
Plastic spacers may seem minor components, but they play a vital role in protecting the delicate graphite surfaces of SWGs during storage and transport. Unfortunately, their single-use nature adds to global plastic waste. ESA has therefore launched a collaborative effort to find renewable, circular, and environmentally responsible alternatives.
Partnership with VED Italy
Our search led us to a promising collaboration with VED, an Italian materials engineering company and active ESA member, known for pioneering biodegradable biocomposites derived from organic sources. Together, we are exploring sustainable materials such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) and ZPHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) — both capable of breaking down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.
Spotlight on sustainable materials
ZPHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate)
Produced from plant-based substances with around 30% coffee residue, ZPHA offers similar properties to PLA but degrades faster, making it highly compostable.
- Certified OK COMPOST INDUSTRIAL – PA 8012005198 (Austrian TÜV)
- Breaks down naturally into water, CO₂, and biomass
- Suitable for general organic waste streams
- Compostable both industrially and at home
ZPBS (Polybutylene Succinate)
Another innovative option, ZPBS is designed to reduce ocean pollution risks.
- Marine-safe, breaking down faster in aquatic environments
- Bio-compostable under specific composting conditions
- Dissolves in seawater, supporting cleaner marine ecosystems
Challenges and opportunities
While bioplastics present a significant step toward sustainability, proper biodegradation requires controlled conditions — such as industrial composting facilities. In landfill environments, limited oxygen can slow the process.
Moreover, current biodegradable alternatives still require plastic adhesive tape or foil, and typically have a shelf life of 6–8 months.
ESA is now concluding this development phase and encourages members interested in sustainable spacer solutions to reach out to VED directly. Their team can tailor material properties to meet specific application needs — balancing performance, manufacturability, and environmental responsibility.
Contact information
VED Italy – Gasket Production Engineering (GPE Business Unit)
Contact:
Noemi Porrello – Foreign Sales Department
Via M.L. King 58,I-31032 Casale sul Sile (TV),
Italy
Tel: +39 0422 821382 | Mob: +39 348 8237941
noemi.porrello@ved.it
Sandy Van den Broeck,
ESG Director, ESA