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SupplyOne, Inc., the largest independent supplier of custom corrugated and other value-added packaging products, equipment, and services in the U.S., highlights its commitment to sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of its own business operations and by delivering customized packaging solutions that enable customers to achieve sustainability goals without sacrificing performance or profitability.

  • Customized packaging solutions that help customers achieve sustainability goals without sacrificing performance or profitability

SupplyOne approaches sustainability with a complete perspective that spans every aspect of packaging ownership, from design and material selection to packaging-related processes and distribution through end-of-life.  SupplyOne packaging engineers and designers create custom eco-friendly packaging solutions that are purpose-built to optimize each customer’s operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and increase working capital.

“We use a 360-degree approach to the development of sustainable solutions.  Our packaging specialists evaluate the current packaging and packaging-related processes, conducting a systematic analysis to identify opportunities to help customers achieve their sustainability goals,” explains Steve Lang, Vice President, Supply Chain at SupplyOne. “Our material and supplier agnostic approach allow us to identify and deliver the best possible solutions to meet each customer’s application and business needs.”

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This guidance is particularly beneficial for mid-market manufacturers, food processors, and fulfillment businesses with limited in-house technical, engineering, or design expertise to keep up with market demand for eco-friendly packaging and the latest and most sustainable materials, processes, and business practices.  In addition, customers can leverage SupplyOne’s deep industry expertise, custom manufacturing, packaging automation, and services that span every aspect of packaging ownership and the economies of scale from its relationship with over 3000 suppliers.

SupplyOne continually reviews its own operations to reduce the environmental impact.  For example, printing operations use environmentally friendly water-based inks and cleaning with non-toxic chemicals.  In addition, more than 95% of the packaging materials it manufactures are produced from renewable, recycled, or recyclable sources.

To learn more about SupplyOne and sustainable packaging, visit www.supplyone.com/sustainability.

About SupplyOne

SupplyOne is the largest independent supplier of custom corrugated and other value-added packaging products, equipment, and packaging-related services in the U.S.  The company provides mid-sized manufacturers, food processors, and medical and e-commerce companies industry leading packaging programs and complete packaging solutions to reduce its customers’ total cost of packaging ownership from a single point of contact.  The result?  Better packaging, and enhanced efficiencies, speed to market, and cash flow.  Since its founding in 1998, SupplyOne has become the acquirer of choice for privately held specialty corrugated packaging manufacturers and value-added packaging distributors.  For more information about SupplyOne’s packaging solutions, contact SupplyOne at 484-582-5005, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit https://www.supplyone.com/.

PulPac announces the closing of a €31 million private placement led by Aliaxis and followed by Stora Enso, Amcor Ventures and Teseo Capital. Combining key global partnerships and investments enables PulPac to accelerate the roll-out out of its patented Dry Molded Fiber technology globally. Investing in global commercialization, with additional production capacity, R&D and supply-chain availability. All supporting the target of establishing Dry Molded Fiber as the next global standard for sustainable packaging, replacing single-use plastics with circular fiber solutions.

Besides offering high-speed manufacturing, which makes it a competitive alternative to plastics, Dry Molded Fiber preserves enormous amounts of water and energy compared to traditional wet fiber molding.

Fredrik Östbye, Head of Aliaxis Next and Linus Larsson Green, CEO of PulPac, standing in front of the PulPac Modula at the PulPac Tech Center in Gothenburg, Sweden. Fredrik Östbye, Head of Aliaxis Next and Linus Larsson Green, CEO of PulPac, standing in front of the PulPac Modula at the PulPac Tech Center in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Linus Larsson Green, co-founder and CEO of PulPac, commented:
“PulPac today is seen as leading the technological race for sustainable packaging and replacing single-use plastics. With backing and support of such world-class partners, we have laid a strong foundation across the value chain. I am really excited to execute our plans and roll-out our technology globally”

In this private placement, leading strategic partners (Aliaxis, Stora Enso, Amcor Ventures and Teseo Capital) join the existing shareholders of PulPac and its network to form a cross-industrial alliance. PulPac’s commercialization is catalyzed across the scaling value-chain with the aliiance, validating the global interest for the technology and its positive impact as a coming world standard in sustainable packaging. Each partner contributes complementary market-leading know-how that strongly contributes to the acceleration of Dry Molded Fiber.

Roderick Sundell, CFO at PulPac, also commented:
“Today marks a critical step forward on our mission of replacing single-use plastics at scale. We are extremely proud to welcome these leading partners into our cross-Industrial alliance. Together, we will drive the transition forward at great speed to provide scalable solutions that are both cost competitive and sustainable.”

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Existing investors WPP, PP Intressenter AB, Marcus Palm also participate in the equity raise together with the founders through DryFiber Holding AB. Jointly, the private placement will enable PulPac to make further investments in three key areas:

  • Increased global presence and representation of PulPac and Dry Molded Fiber to cater to enormous demand, building out application and demonstration centers in key markets close to industrial partners.
  • Increasing product standardization and roll-out of applications ready to use, including commercial and third-party validation.
  • Supply chain acceleration in key partnerships on production platforms and tooling, ensuring availability of material, chemistries, machines and tooling throughout the regional supply chains.

Collectively, these initiatives will facilitate PulPac’s target of replacing 1 million tons of single-use plastics by 2025, saving up to 5 million tons of CO2 emissions and up to 1 billion liters of water – compared to if the products had been made with conventional wet molded fiber.

Pareto Securities AS acted as financial advisors and Vinge acted as legal advisors to PulPac for the equity raise.

About Aliaxis
At Aliaxis, we design sustainable, easy to install, and innovative solutions to address the world’s water challenges and accelerate the transition to clean energy. Thanks to our 14,000+ employees, our pipes and fitting systems meet our customers’ most demanding needs for the building, infrastructure, industrial and agriculture sectors. Operating in over 40 countries, the Company is active through leading local brands and generated €3.7 billion revenue in 2021. More information available on www.aliaxis.com

About Stora Enso
Part of the global bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, wooden construction and paper, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. Stora Enso has approximately 22,000 employees and our sales in 2021 were EUR 10.2 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm AB (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA as ADRs (SEOAY). More information available on www.storaenso.com

About Amcor
Amcor is a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and personal-care, and other products.  Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect their products and the people who rely on them, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains through a range of flexible and rigid packaging, specialty cartons, closures, and services. The company is focused on making packaging that is increasingly lighter weight, recyclable and reusable, and made using an increasing amount of recycled content. In fiscal year 2022, 44,000 Amcor people generated $15 billion in annual sales from operations that span 220 locations in 43 countries.  NYSE: AMCR; ASX: AMC. More information available on www.amcor.com

About Teseo Capital
A Family Office in Luxembourg, Teseo Capital, which deals in alternative assets and agribusiness.

About WPP
WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit www.wpp.com

About PP Intressenter AB
PPI is a consortium of prominent local investors. PPI’s indirect main owners include Johan Möller, one of the founders of the nische bank Collector, Lennart Grebelius, founder and owner of Sätila Holding AB, Mats Franzén and Pål Junhamn founders of Zetup AB, as well as Björn Engström, co-founder Forsman & Bodenfors.

About DryFiber Holding AB
DryFiber Holding is the holding company for Founders Linus Larsson Green and Ove Larsson as well as early team members.

About Marcus Palm
The Director of Legal Affairs at Välinge Innovation AB (leading global licensing company in click-lock-flooring). Palm is a minority shareholder in PulPac as well as part of PulPac’s board. Palm is a leading Nordic expert on Licensing business models and infringement control, he was elected the Swedish General Counsel of the Year 2017.

About PulPac
PulPac provides the packaging industry with a groundbreaking manufacturing technology for low-cost, high-performance fiber-based packaging and single-use products. By pioneering the technology of cellulose molding PulPac enables their customers to replace single-use plastics with a sustainable and cost competitive alternative globally. For additional information about PulPac, please visit www.pulpac.com or follow us on social media.

Last June, Metsä Board announced the Better with Less – Design Challenge. Now is the final call to enter.

The Better with Less – Design Challenge 2022 is inviting designers around the world to create the zero-waste packaging of the future. The competition is open for submissions for another four weeks, until 1 December, 2022.

The world-class jury of renowned package design experts will be looking for lighter, smarter, and circular solutions for some of the most common consumer packages. Says the competition chairman, Ilkka Harju: “We want to discover innovative, fit-for-purpose designs for all types of packaging that have circularity as starting point for design. This is a great opportunity to get your ideas seen and to make your mark on the circular packaging of the future.“

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The competition jury includes:

Andrew Gibbs, Founder & Editor in Chief, The Dieline

Ben Parker, Co-founder of creative design studio Made Thought

Brandi Parker, Head of Sustainability, Pearlfisher

Brian Collins, Chief Creative Officer, Collins

Carin Blidholm Svensson, Creative Director & Founder, BVD

Diana Sanchez, Visual Design Associate Manager, Accenture Song

Jennifer Patrick, Global Packaging & Brand Director, Patagonia

Sian Sutherland, Co-founder, Plastic Planet

Ilkka Harju, Packaging Services Director EMEA and APAC, Metsä Board and the jury chairman

The jury will award the three best zero-waste packaging designs with EUR 10,000, EUR 3,000 and EUR 2,000 prizes. For student participants there will be an additional award - an internship at the company’s Excellence Centre in Finland.

The Better with Less – Design Challenge is an initiative to inspire packaging designers all over the world to create packaging solutions that could have a big impact on the world – while reducing the impact of packaging on the environment. The previous Better with Less – Design Challenge inspired entries from 28 countries to contribute their work and showcase their environmentally-friendly packaging solutions. The competition is organised by a leading European paperboard producer Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group.

For more information and to enter: www.betterwithless.org

Better with Less – Design Challenge in social media: Twitter and Instagram

Metsä Board
https://www.metsagroup.com/metsaboard

Metsä Board is a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards. We focus on lightweight and high-quality folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners. The pure fresh fibres we use in our products are a renewable and recyclable resource, that can be traced back to sustainably managed northern forests. We are a forerunner in sustainability, and we aim to have completely fossil free mills and raw materials by the end of 2030.

Together with our customers we develop innovative packaging solutions to create better consumer experiences with less environmental impact. In 2021 our sales totaled EUR 2.1 billion, and we have around 2,400 employees. Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

Metsä Group
https://www.metsagroup.com

Metsä Group leads the way in the bioeconomy. We invest in growth, developing bioproducts and a fossil free future. The raw material for our products is renewable wood from sustainably managed northern forests. We focus on the growth sectors of the forest industry: wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp, fresh fibre paperboards, and tissue and greaseproof papers.

Metsä Group’s annual sales is approximately EUR 6 billion, and we have around 9,500 employees in 30 countries. Our international Group has its roots in the Finnish forest: our parent company is Metsäliitto Cooperative owned by nearly 100,000 forest owners.

SupplyOne’s Packaging Management Program Provides a Roadmap to Enhanced Efficiency, Sustainability and Cash Flow

SupplyOne, Inc., the largest independent supplier of custom corrugated and other value-added packaging products, equipment, and services in the U.S., highlights its Packaging Management Program. The Packaging Management Program, or PMP, simplifies the complexities associated with packaging ownership to reduce the total cost of packaging and contribute to more sustainable operations. The PMP has the unique distinction of guaranteeing the customer’s savings in writing.

Every Packaging Management Program begins with an assessment. Packaging Specialists employ a proprietary process to analyze spend, evaluate opportunities to optimize existing packaging and assess the full scope of the customer’s packaging-related operations. The findings from the assessment provide customers with a 360-degree view of their packaging expenses and plan to realize direct, indirect, and inventory-related cost savings. The approach successfully uncovers hidden costs, waste and non-value-adding activities that consume valuable resources and inflate the total cost of packaging ownership. 

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End-to-End Solutions for a Streamlined Supply Chain

SupplyOne's operating platform includes custom manufacturing capabilities, relationships with over 3000 suppliers, best-in-class packaging equipment and automation, and a suite of complementary services spanning every aspect of packaging ownership. These capabilities allow Packaging Specialists to provide objective guidance and a comprehensive program PMP tailored to the unique needs and objectives of each customer.  

Savings Guaranteed in Writing and Path to Additional Improvements

The PMP approach is unlike anything in the industry because SupplyOne guarantees savings in writing. SupplyOne provides customers with a plan to optimize their packaging operations. The recommendations align with each customer's unique objectives and result in direct, indirect, and inventory-related savings. Then, working in close partnership, SupplyOne implements the plan while the customer stays in control through quarterly reviews detailing savings, enhanced efficiencies, and working capital improvements. 

The customer will receive a check for the difference if anticipated savings aren't achieved. In addition to the savings guarantee, customers benefit from enhanced efficiencies and resource utilization, improved operational sustainability, and cash flow.

About SupplyOne

SupplyOne is the largest independent supplier of custom corrugated and other value-added packaging products, equipment, and packaging-related services in the U.S.  The company provides mid-sized manufacturers, food processors, and medical and e-commerce companies industry leading packaging programs and complete packaging solutions to reduce its customers’ total cost of packaging ownership from a single point of contact.  The result?  Better packaging, and enhanced efficiencies, speed to market, and cash flow.  Since its founding in 1998, SupplyOne has become the acquirer of choice for privately held specialty corrugated packaging manufacturers and value-added packaging distributors. For more information about SupplyOne’s packaging solutions, contact SupplyOne at 484-582-5005, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit https://www.supplyone.com/.

James Cropper, one of the world’s most innovative papermakers, has partnered with French, family-owned Champagne maker, Rogge-Cereser and French packaging producer, L’Agence Le Sanglier, to create an industry leading example of eco-design in the luxury drinks market.

Using paper from the Rydal Packaging Collection, which unites beauty and sustainability, the minimalist design of the Rogge-Cereser champagne box infuses the art of gifting with environmental responsibility.

Chosen for its excellent credentials in lamination, embossing and creasing, the champagne box marks the first time Rydal paper, respectfully produced in the English Lake District, has been used for Champagne packaging.

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To bring the concept to life, the team of packaging professionals at Le Sanglier used their innovative 'Texturflex' technology to add an overall bubbly textured finish to the case, creating a beautiful back-drop to the signature marque of the Champagne house.

The Rogge-Cereser eco-case is fully recyclable, made with 100% natural fibres from a mix of FSC certified sources.  The minimalist design, using a single material, invites the consumer to celebrate those key moments while caring for the environment - and can simply be recycled after use.  

While aligning closely to Le Sanglier’s commitment to sustainability, the producer chose Rydal paper because it embossed and folded beautifully. Designed specifically for packaging, the paper's inherent surface and tensile strength characteristics ensured that it converted without any cracked edging: a key point for Champagne boxes.

Philippe Aertgeets, CEO, Le Sanglier says: “Merging beauty with functionality is something which consumers shopping for luxury products have come to expect. But, as the world continues to have its eyes on sustainability, consumers are insisting that the products they buy are environmentally and socially responsible.  

“This partnership is a fantastic demonstration of how sustainability can play a part in the Champagne market. With its outstanding print performance and converting characteristics, the Rydal collection is the perfect choice for sustainable wine-maker Rogge-Cereser.”

From the world’s first technology to upcycle used coffee cups, to the industry leading incorporation of used jeans into fully recyclable paper for packaging - transforming waste into beautiful paper is at the core of James Cropper’s FibreBlend Upcycled Technology mission.

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Tricia Hartmann, Luxury Packaging Lead at James Cropper comments: “Our Rydal collection is a blend of recovered fibre and fresh fibre from sustainable forestry sources. Delivering beautiful papers and giving a second life to post-consumer waste is a vital step in the life cycle for paper, today and for future generations.

“We’re thrilled to showcase the extraordinary possibilities of fibre, particularly in a luxury market where there has always been debate over whether sustainability means a compromise on aesthetics. As this design shows, it doesn’t. There are innovations and materials out there which can help brands do better and meet the growing consumer demand for better.”

The experts at James Cropper believe that the perfect balance of paper performance, a sustainable story and visual appeal lives in the unique blend of virgin and recovered fibre.

Each and every brief is unique, which is why FibreBlend Upcycled Technology gives every customer the freedom to choose from our range of papers or create something bespoke; either of which talks specifically to its end use and individual storytelling needs.

About James Cropper

James Cropper is a world-class advanced materials and paper products group, with an operational reach in over 50 countries. Using materials from cotton and wood to carbon fibre the business supports industries from packaging to digital imaging and aerospace with products that are at the cutting edge of performance.

James Cropper is a specialist; providing niche solutions such as materials essential for a hydrogen fuel cell, a bespoke colour and texture for a luxury brand’s packaging or moulded fibre alternatives to single use plastics.

James Cropper has a rich heritage at the Burneside mill, the company was established in 1845, and respectfully manufactures on this site, in the foothills of the English Lake District. The business is renowned globally for its dedicated responses to custom projects and its award-winning commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.

The Burneside mill location is the official Head Quarters for James Cropper PLC and all associated businesses.

www.jamescropper.com

Siegwerk India, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the society with its latest CSR endeavour - restoration of a pond and increasing ToF (Trees outside Forest) cover in Dhaki Village of Tijara Block, Alwar, Rajasthan. The company has partnered with Centre for CSR & Sustainability Excellence (CCSE) and Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti (BGVS) to promote water resource management through pond restoration.

  • In addition to inaugurating a tree plantation drive in the village, the project aims to generate awareness about water resource management

The pond restoration project started when Siegwerk identified a water crisis in the village Dhaki. During a survey of 185 households, it came to light that, for 93% of the households tube well is the chief source of irrigation while 7% of the households irrigate with micro-irrigation, which shows dependence on groundwater that is depleting due to overuse. The effects of the project will increase recharge capacity of the pond after de-siltation and construction of 2 new recharge shafts, apart from removal of silt from an earlier recharge shaft. During the current monsoon period water accumulated in pond increased 3 times totalling to 14.5 ft. within 20 days and as a result the underground water level rose substantially. The water is now being directed to the village’s agriculture, for further holistic growth.

Focusing on improving the local eco-system of Dhaki, the three-fold initiative covers all important facets of the environment - conservation, sustained upgradation and environment preservation leading to a holistic development of the village. Siegwerk’s project consists of three stages - restoration of the pond, plantation of trees and clearing the areas around the pond. After the successful passing of initial phases, the initiative is currently in its final phase - plantation project, which entails planting saplings around the restorative pond and around the school of Dhaki village.

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Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Ramakrishna Karanth, CEO, Siegwerk India said, “Siegwerk’s key values include creating a sustainable environment and development for the future. The collaboration has been successful with CCSE and BGVS assisting us with their expertise. The initiative aims to help the marginalized communities of the Dhaki village and hopefully improve their livelihood. The team has also established ties with government institutions to promote sustainable development in the area.”

The project started with a detailed evaluation of the initiative, the challenges and hardships faced by the people and planning the completion of the restoration process before monsoon so that the pond gets refilled with water as the dependency on the monsoon rains for agricultural activities and scorching summers in the village lead to inhumane conditions.

As a part of the initiative, around 500 saplings have already been  planted, and 500 aquatic plants will be introduced into the pond to improve the quality of water to aid the overall progress for the people of Dhaki.

About Siegwerk

Siegwerk, a sixth-generation family-owned company, is one of the leading international manufacturers of printing inks and individual solutions for packaging, labels, and catalogues. With more than 180 years of experience, the company has solid expertise in and knowledge of many printing procedures. A global manufacturing and service network ensures customers consistently high-quality products and services. In keeping with the company’s philosophy “Ink, Heart & Soul,” Siegwerk seeks long-term cooperation with its business partners. Siegwerk employs some 5,000 people worldwide in more than 30 country organizations and is headquartered in Siegburg near Cologne.

Further information on Siegwerk can be found at www.siegwerk.com

Stora Enso has decided to invest approximately EUR 1 billion to convert the remaining idle paper machine at the Group’s Oulu site in Finland into a high-volume consumer board production line. The investment supports the Group’s growth strategy in renewable packaging by providing new volume for growing packaging segments. Production on the converted machine is estimated to start in early 2025.

Following the first machine conversion at the Oulu site in 2021 from paper to kraftliner, the remaining idle paper line will be converted into a state-of-the-art highly flexible consumer board line for folding box board (FBB) and coated unbleached kraft (CUK). The total annual capacity will be 750,000 tonnes of consumer board. The target end-use segments are food and beverage packaging, especially frozen and chilled, and dry and fast food, mainly in Europe and North America.

Oulu Stora EnsoOulu Stora Enso

“Renewable packaging continues to be our largest strategic growth area. It’s also a market that is now, for the first time, growing faster than plastics-based alternatives. Through this conversion we can build on existing assets for quick and cost-effective time-to-market compared to other investment alternatives. This puts us in a strong position to drive revenue growth and build market share,” says Stora Enso’s President and CEO Annica Bresky.

The total investment will be approximately EUR 1 billion during 2022–2025. At full capacity, the investment is expected to meet the profitability target of the Packaging Materials division: operational return on operating capital (ROOC) of 20%. Annual sales are expected to be approximately EUR 800 million.

“This investment represents a step change in the European market and will develop our Oulu unit into a mega site, improving profitability and competitiveness for both our consumer board and containerboard offerings. The converted line will be the most cost-competitive FBB machine in Europe, also enabling us to optimise production at other sites to unlock further growth,” says Hannu Kasurinen, EVP and Head of the Packaging Materials division.

The investment is fully aligned with Stora Enso’s sustainability commitments. It will support circularity by further enhancing the recycling performance of the Packaging Materials division’s product portfolio. The Oulu site’s total scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions will remain at a low level as they were already reduced by 80% during the first conversion in 2021.

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The investment will create approximately 300 new jobs at the Oulu site and support functions, and an additional 1,500 indirect employment opportunities overall. The wood consumption of the new line will be approximately one million cubic metres of pulp wood. After the investment, the Group's market pulp position will be reduced by approximately 250,000 tonnes annually.

Part of the global bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, wooden construction and paper, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. Stora Enso has approximately 22,000 employees and our sales in 2021 were EUR 10.2 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm AB (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA as ADRs (SEOAY). storaenso.com/investors

With one new patent application filed last week, and one more patent granted in Japan, PulPac continues to expand the Dry Molded Fiber patent portfolio. The new grant and application both cover Dry Molded Fiber bottles, an exciting application that has already been produced on a lab scale.

Dry Molded Fiber is invented, patented, and licensed to packaging manufacturers by PulPac. The game-changing technology is up to ten times faster than traditional fiber forming methods and offers highly competitive unit economics. In addition, it saves significant amounts of valuable water and energy, resulting in up to 80% lower CO2 footprint compared to alternatives.

The granted patent in Japan covers both bottle-forming and more traditional single use objects traditionally made by plastics and wet forming. It is a divisional application from an earlier application granted in Japan. In short, the granted claims describe a cellulose blank containing less than 45 weight percent water being arranged and formed in a forming mould, using heat and isostatic pressure. Just as in other important jurisdictions, further divisional applications will be filed. The new patent application filed also covers manufacturing of bottles, but in a continuous manufacturing line.

CIPO, Peter Ekwall, continously harvests new innovations together with PulPac's engineers to push the Dry Molded Fiber technology forward and speed up the transition to sustainable fiber-based alternatives and away from single-use plastics. CIPO, Peter Ekwall, continously harvests new innovations together with PulPac's engineers to push the Dry Molded Fiber technology forward and speed up the transition to sustainable fiber-based alternatives and away from single-use plastics.

“The world consumes massive amounts of plastic bottles, and they are a big contributor to plastic pollution. Only around 30-40% of all plastic bottles across the EU and US, are collected for recycling today. For paper and cardboard packaging, the average is about 80%. Even if our present focus is replacing the single-use products that are industrially ready, bottles are an interesting application for Dry Molded Fiber. We made the first bottles in our lab already in 2018 and some of our early patents are related to bottles,” says Peter Ekwall, CIPO

PulPac now holds 32 patent families with more than 150 granted national patents and plus 60 pending patent applications. New patent applications are filed continuously. In addition, PulPac has a substantive body of know-how and attached trade secrets that are shared within the Dry Molded Fiber network. Based on the core IP, PulPac has developed a complete technology platform covering multiple areas of fiber application manufacturing. All driven by the need of technical solutions for a greener, cleaner world.

About PulPac
PulPac provides the packaging industry with a groundbreaking manufacturing technology for low-cost, high-performance fiber-based packaging and single-use products. By pioneering the technology of cellulose molding PulPac enables their customers to replace single-use plastics with a sustainable and cost competitive alternative globally. For additional information about PulPac, please visit www.pulpac.com or follow us on social media.

Dry Molded Fiber
Dry Molded Fiber, invented and patented by PulPac, is a manufacturing technology designed for the circular economy – using renewable pulp and cellulose resources to produce low cost, high performance, fiber-based packaging, and single-use products. Dry Molded Fiber gives up to 80% lower CO2 footprint at similar cost as plastic. It is up to ten times as efficient as conventional fiber molding invented over 100 years ago. The dry process also saves massive amounts of valuable water resources. In addition, energy savings are significant - as the molded products need no drying.

Custom corrugated boxes and fiber tubes protect products and the environment and build brand image

By Cheryl Smith

The subject of packaging and shipping solutions has become an increasingly popular topic of conversation within businesses and among the public. 

Before and during the pandemic, the rapid expansion of e-commerce has fueled demand for packaging, while labor shortages and shipping constraints have also made it harder to produce and deliver the containers used to ship and store everything from food and consumer goods to machine parts.

At the same time, consumers are increasingly aware of the need for more sustainable packaging. According to McKinsey & Company, 55% of US consumers are extremely or very concerned about the environmental impact of packaging. They are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products, and they express a desire to buy additional sustainably packaged products if more of them were available and better labeled to indicate green packaging.

As a result, businesses have responded in three important ways. 

First, they have turned to suppliers that have a proven track record and ongoing capability of delivering packaging solutions when needed to ensure that the right shipping container is available when product comes off the production line.

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Environmental Sustainability

Second, the demand for corrugated cardboard boxes and fiber tubes expands as consumers, government regulators, investors and employees push for environmentally friendly alternatives to plastics. Boxes and tubes are made from plant-based materials which can be sustainably harvested and replanted, and many boxes and tubes are manufactured from 100% recycled material.

The disposal of these paper-based packaging solutions is also far more sustainable. In 2021, 91.4% of corrugated cardboard was recycled compared to only 6% of the 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in the US. Moreover, the paper is biodegradable and does not contain any toxic chemicals or heavy metals, and therefore the small percentage of scrap or used boxes and tubes that do end up in a landfill will decompose without harming the environment. In fact, boxes and tubes buried in the earth will compost in a couple months, adding nutrients back into the soil.

Custom Packaging Solutions

The third reason for the increased interest in custom boxes and fiber tubes is their versatility and adaptability to perfectly fit the specific requirements of each application to achieve the optimal balance between the crush strength and weight/thickness to reduce the cost of materials and shipping. 

Custom packaging comes in many shapes, sizes, and strengths to contain and protect products for storage or transport. The packaging should be designed to fit the product, rather than the other way around. 

A perfect fit means eliminating the waste, reducing environmental impact and costs of producing, handling, and disposing of excess packaging and unnecessary void fill material — and of damaged product. The right fit also means higher packing density for more energy-efficient transport and more space-efficient storage. 

Custom boxes and fiber tubes also enable important marketing advantages over stock packaging. Graphics and information can be printed on the interior and exterior surfaces to increase brand awareness and support point-of-purchase campaigns.

The two major categories of custom, sustainable packaging are corrugated boxes and fiber tubes. Both categories have the environmental benefits of fiber material, and both are extremely customizable to meet specific application requirements.

Custom Corrugated Boxes

Custom corrugated boxes can be designed in any desired size and in a wide range of board thickness. Designers utilize software to optimize the shape and size of the box to efficiently and safely package the product(s) contained within, and to ensure the boxes can be stacked securely on a pallet, without wasted space. 

Boxes hold items wrapped with protective packaging or surrounded with void fill material for safe shipment. They can be sealed, closed, and stacked in a warehouse or shipping container.  Some specialty boxes ship hazardous materials or insulate products from excessive heat or cold.

Box types include Die Cut, Full Overlap Slotted Container (FOL), Full Telescopic Design Container (FTD) and Overlap Slotted Container (OSC). A variety of wax and varnish coating options are available. Additional customizations include partitions, eyelets, transparent windows, and die cut foam inserts

Fiber Tubes

Fiber wound tubes are also customized depending upon the specifications and requirements of each customer and applications. They are typically made of cardboard, but they can also be reinforced with other materials for added strength and resilience. Paper or paperboard sheet layers are wound together and bonded with an adhesive to form strong, hollow, and usually cylindrical shapes. Fiber wound tubes provide an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and are used in applications requiring high bend strength, crush resistance, and dynamic strength.

Tubes are available in various sizes; length, inside diameter, and wall thickness can be customized to fit specific products. The wall thickness of the tube can vary depending on the number of layers wrapped during manufacturing. The innermost layer or ply - the liner -, and the outermost layer - the wrap -, can consist of different materials (foil, film, etc.) or specialized paper. The specialized paper and materials can provide water resistance, graphics or labeling, or a specific color. 

Tubes Serve as Containers and as Paper Cores

The high strength of fiber tubes makes them well-suited to two very different uses — as an exterior container for a very wide range of products or as the interior core around which sheets of material are wound.

As a container, tubes protect a wide variety of products during shipment, protecting them from damage, including long, heavy items such as pipes and baseball bats, and fragile items such as fishing poles. Tubes are often a good alternative to shipping items in a box with protective packaging or void fill. The range of applications is quite extensive, from small tubes with film barriers for potato chips to large tubes used to form concrete pilings.

Paper cores typically fall into two subcategories: In industrial applications, webs or sheets of flexible material (plastic film, paper, foil, textiles, etc.) are wound around paper cores with thick walls. These tubes function as a machine element and facilitate loading of the large rolls. The other subcategory is a thinner-walled variety of tube used for the packaging and dispensing of retail products, such as the core of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, paper towel and toilet paper rolls, as well as adhesive tape and labels.

Protect Products and the Environment

Custom boxes and tubes are more effective at protecting products than stock boxes, and they have far less impact on the environment compared to plastic packaging. A custom packaging solution means a perfect fit for your product, with less waste and more efficient packing and transport, resulting in cost savings, as well as a distinctive image that enhances brand image and supports marketing campaigns.

The Australian packaging market is set to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.7% from 47.6 billion units in 2021 to 51.9 billion units in 2026, led by an increase in demand for paper & board in packaging, predicts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, “Australia Packaging Market Size, Analysing Key Pack Material (Pack Type, Closure Material and Type, Primary Outer Material and Type), Innovations and Forecast, 2021-2026,” reveals that glass accounted for the maximum share of 32.7% in the Australian packaging market in 2021 and will continue to dominate through the forecast period. Flexible packaging and rigid plastic occupied a share of 21.4% each in 2021.

Biswarup Bose, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Apart from its premium appeal, recyclability contributes to glass’ significant usage in packaging. Growing environmental awareness is leading consumers to switch to sustainable packaging formats, such as paper & board packaging. At the same time, the increasing need for convenience-driven features such as durability and reusability are boosting the demand for rigid metal.”  

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According to the report, the food industry in Australia is the primary user of packaging materials accounting for a 38.8% share in 2021. Within the food industry, flexible packaging was the most widely used pack material, followed by rigid plastics.

Bose explains: “The demand for flexible packaging in food products is mostly attributed to its high consumption in bakery & cereals and confectionery, wherein consumers tend to look for products that offer convenience features such as zip locks, resealable closures, and light weight. The alcoholic beverages industry was the second-largest user of packaging materials in the country.”

During 2021–26, paper & board packaging is expected to record the highest growth at a CAGR of 3.4%. Growth in paper & board pack material can be attributed to its light weight, economical nature, recyclability, availability in several forms, and user-friendly factors.

Bose concludes: “Recyclability and lightweight characteristics are set to propel the demand for paper & board package. Consumers will increasingly pay greater attention to features such as eco-friendliness and sustainability. To keep up with the pace, manufacturers need to constantly innovate and stay competitive.”

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

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