Cooperation: Stora Enso and Pulpex plan industrial production of paper bottles

Stora Enso and Pulpex announce a cooperation to industrialise the production of paper bottles and containers made from wood fibre pulp. The partnership will focus on the development of a high-speed production line, which is expected to go into operation in 2022.

The partnership uses the moulded fibre technologies from Stora Enso and the ability to process end products on an industrial scale. To this end, the joint development agreement was signed exclusively between Stora Enso and Pulpex a sustainable packaging technology company founded by Diageo and Pilot Lite (a venture management company).

The aim of the partnership is to Large-scale production of renewable and recyclable paper bottles and containerswhich degrade easily in the natural environment.

The bottles and containers made from sustainably sourced moulded fibre pulp enable a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to glass or PET. Such a moulded fibre product is manufactured by various wood-based pulps are pressed into a three-dimensional shape in the moulding machine. The partnership is now focussing on the development of a high-speed production line, which is expected to be operational in 2022.

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"We see great potential in combining Pulpex's development skills with our industrial capabilities. This cooperation is an important step towards bringing a truly sustainable alternative to plastic bottles and containers to the market, while offering the end consumer qualities that match those of traditional packaging in the beverage market." Sohrab KazemahvaziSVP Formed Fibre at Stora Enso

Paper bottles for drinks, liquid foods and cosmetics

Using Stora Enso's moulded fibre material, Pulpex aims to produce paper bottles for a range of global brands in a variety of market applications, from household and personal care products to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and liquid foods. The Pulpex bottle enables embossing, labelling and the use of colour pigments to meet brand requirements, and can be easily integrated into the existing filling infrastructure of any packaging manufacturer.

"We are delighted to be working with Stora Enso and look forward to the tangible benefits that will undoubtedly help us to make our new high-speed production lines available to all our partners in the coming months." Scott Winston, Director, Pulpex Limited

[infotext icon]Pulpex Limited is a new sustainable packaging technology company founded by venture management firm Pilot Lite and spirits producer Diageo. The company has developed the world's first 100 per cent PET-free paper bottle. Made from sustainably sourced pulp, the Pulpex bottle meets food safety standards and can be recycled in standard paper waste streams. Leading companies in the consumer goods industry, including Diageo, PepsiCo, Unilever, GSK Consumer Healthcare and Castrol, have joined the global Pulpex partner consortium. Each company has committed to incorporating Pulpex technology into their branded packaging and together aim to produce 750 million paper bottles per year[/infotext].

Source: Stora Enso