---
title: Pioneering sustainable SWG spacers in biodegradable materials - European Sealing Association
description: "An exciting step forward in eco-innovation: the development of biodegradable spacers for spiral wound gaskets, in partnership with VED Italy, an active ESA member."
---

[News - European Sealing Association (ESA) ](https://www.europeansealing.com/news)

# [Pioneering sustainable SWG spacers in biodegradable materials - European Sealing Association](https://www.europeansealing.com/news/pioneering-sustainable-swg-spacers-in-biodegradable-materials)

 Written by [Iza.Actuado](https://www.europeansealing.com/news/author/iza-actuado) | Dec 18, 2025 10:08:21 AM

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](mailto:noemi.porrello@ved.it)

Sandy Van den Broeck,  
 ESG Director, ESA

[View full post](https://www.europeansealing.com/news/pioneering-sustainable-swg-spacers-in-biodegradable-materials)

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