UK – Scotland-based company, CelluComp and Asia-based molded fiber packaging production firm, RyPax have unveiled what is said to be the first all-fiber bottle solution with a biodegradable and plant-based inner coating and hope to ‘crack the code’ on paper-based bottle packaging.
The revolutionary step the two independent businesses took was developing a novel pulp fiber made with a mix of Curran®, bamboo and bagasse.
This material is extremely strong with minimal porosity and allows the application of a thin, impermeable coating to the bottle’s interior, which allows manufacturers to take the next important step in environmental packaging by eliminating the need for a plastic liner.
Christian Kemp-Griffin, CEO of CelluComp said: “Integrating RyPax’s and CelluComp’s proven technology, materials and production expertise to produce the industry’s first all-fiber bottle at scale is a major evolution for the industry.
“Our unique capabilities and entrepreneurial approach, including establishing a Minnesota-based Public Benefit Corp. to better serve U.S. operations, has finally produced a design most packaged goods companies, and their consumers, have been longing for.”
Alvin Lim, CEO of RyPax added: “Combining our global expertise in fiber packaging design and production, with CelluComp’s creative ingredient solution, we’re looking at a true barrier packaging breakthrough. This initiative will remove millions of tons of plastic waste from the environment.”
RyPax and CelluComp have been collaborating on a commercial all-fiber bottle format for more than three years and recently gained validation from the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), which has been an important partner in helping create viable proof of concepts.
The partnership is poised to scale production for industry applications from beverage, beauty, health, medicine, food and other retail brands to help manufacturers deliver a more sustainable product to reduce waste and meet consumer, government and their own sustainability goals.
Moving forward, RyPax and CelluComp will, in close collaboration with DTI, explore additional fiber packaging solutions including fiber screw threads, caps, even thinner coatings, and a more intricate means of branding on bottles for their customers.
Meanwhile, Absolut Vodka is currently pursuing the creation of a ‘100% bio-based bottle’ and has recently revealed a bottle made from 57% paper with a plastic lining.
Similarly, SUPA’s eco-mate brand revealed a ‘plastic-free’ paper bottle for laundry and washing up liquids last year to tackle the over-consumption of single-use plastic.
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