Stora Enso and packaging technology company Pulpex have recently joined forces to produce eco-friendly paper bottles and containers made from wood fibre pulp, as an alternative to PET plastics and glass. The partnership leverages Stora Enso’s formed fibre technologies and ability to convert end-products at an industrial scale.
The joint development agreement is formed exclusively between Stora Enso and Pulpex, a sustainable packaging technology company established by Diageo (makers of Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Guinness) and Pilot Lite (a venture management company). The partnership aims for large-scale industrial production of renewable and recyclable paper bottles and containers that degrade readily in the natural environment. Produced with sustainably sourced formed fibre pulp, the bottles and containers would enable a significantly lower carbon footprint compared with glass or PET. The focus of the partnership now is on developing a high-speed production line which is expected to be operational in 2022.
“We see great potential in combining development skills of Pulpex with our industrial capabilities,” says Sohrab Kazemahvazi, SVP Formed Fiber at Stora Enso. “This cooperation marks an important step in bringing to market a truly sustainable alternative to plastic bottles and containers, while offering end-user qualities that match those of traditional packaging in the beverage market.”
.
